God is love; he makes all things possible

I still remember my feeling about searching for General Council (GC) members at the

General Chapter 2000 in Wa-Ghana. The delegation from Indonesia faced the challenging

task of selecting a suitable candidate. My name was initially proposed. However, at the

time, I felt too young and in need of broader, deeper knowledge about the Congregation. I

also recognized the importance of gaining experience living in an international community. I

was still in the process of growing and developing my faith and vocation as an FIC Brother.

Thankfully, the name of Bro. Christ Sukarman emerged as a replacement for mine. I believe

God understood my situation, paving the way for me to grow and develop in my vocation

and mission. Thank God, this was a perfect arrangement.

At the 2012 General Chapter in Roncalli, Salatiga-Indonesia, I made myself available to be

elected as a member of the General Council after a thorough reflection on my life and call as

an FIC brother. I felt prepared to serve the Congregation in the leadership. Of course, I was

still constrained humanly, but I was convinced I could carry it out because God's power was

at work in me. I lived and worked according to my skills and capabilities. The most important

thing was assisting the Superior General. I learned to be good and to do good as much as I

could. I experienced spiritual upliftment while living in the GC community and trying to

make meaning of my encounters with fellow brothers and co-workers in various provinces

and RHN (Religious House Netherlands). My knowledge of the Congregation has since grown

and deepened. I have been through moments of happiness as an FIC brother. I was also able

to use my time to write and publish some books. In this way, I share my ideas and

experiences with many people (especially my readers). For me, books are like a vehicle for

education, fulfilling my love for the world of education as a teacher. I am grateful that, as GC

members, we formed a solid and supportive team.

At the 2018 General Chapter in Dennekamp, The Netherlands, my name surfaced again for

reelection as a member of the 2018-2024 General Council. From the number of votes, it was

clear that many brothers wanted me to continue as a General Council member. After some

days of contemplation, I finally prepared myself again to be elected as a General Council

member, but not as a Superior General. I think the Lord wanted me to assist the new

Superior General in the leadership of the Congregation. In the beginning, of course, we had

to learn and accept each other's personalities and leadership styles. There were challenges

and difficulties, but because we prioritized teamwork and healthy community building, we

could generally overcome these challenges. The spirit of service and collegiality were our

sources of strength. Even though the outbreak of COVID-19 hindered our administration,

the General Council still managed to carry out the mandate of the 2018 General Chapter

very well. I am grateful to the Superior General and fellow brothers because I learned to be

a brother to all, our lay colleagues included. It was the same spirit I adopted while working

at the Pangudi Luhur Foundation in Indonesia. My encounter with my brothers and co-

workers enriched my life as a religious brother. I mature as a human being and as a

religious.

My services at the General Council were sufficient at the end of my second period. I could

not continue even if the chapter wanted me to do so. I know who I am. I am not a person

who can survive in one particular place for a very long time. I realized my ability to assist in

the duties of the General Council has also decreased. There are still many young brothers

who are much more qualified than me to carry on the ministry of congregational leadership.

In addition, my father, who this year (2024) has attained 89 years, often asked when I would

return to Indonesia. I felt uncomfortable with this question.

Long before the 2024 General Chapter, I pondered on my life and decided not to avail

myself of reelection for the next General Council. If it is God's will and if approved by the

chapter, I want to live and work again in Indonesia. I am relatively" young" and can still do

something good for those who need my service. I can create new connectedness with

people and carry out a new apostolate. I am grateful that the Lord granted my request and

that the chapter members understood my feelings and plea. Thus, my leadership service at

the General Council concluded, and I have happily returned to Indonesia (my home

province). God is good!

I want to thank all those who have supported me in carrying out my duties as a member of

the General Council. The list includes my fellow brothers and associate members, especially

members of the Emmaus Community who have coloured and nourished my vocation and

mission for approximately 12 years. I am grateful to the brothers of the RHN who have

supported me with warm relationships and prayers. I would also like to thank everyone for

the personal and working relationships, especially our co-workers, secretariat staff - Willy

and Lenny, my fellow Brothers Remy and Lo, and of course Paul, Margreet, Joke, Johan, Jo,

Erick, Mary and Ton Raijmakers.

Assuredly, through our prayers and support, the members of the General Council 2024-2030

will execute the Congregation's mandate by implementing the resolutions and

recommendations of the 2024 General Chapter. I pray for them and ask them to pray for me

and my next mission in Indonesia. In the spirit of synodality, let us renew our way of life and

mission together by the call of the times. I will miss you all. Thank you very much.

Theodorus Suwariyanto