225. – § I. – From the very first years of the curriculum of studies, suitable programs in diverse works of the apostolate should be methodically introduced under the guidance of experts; as far as possible these should take place during the academic year and particularly during vacation time, according to norms worked out by each province.
– “THE RELIGIOUS FORMATION OF CLERICAL BROTHERS”, The Book of Constitutions & Ordinations of the Friars of the Order of Preachers
Airport in Dili
A Dominican is a preacher. Mission exposure is thus a great opportunity for a student friar to be trained. I have had such a privilege for three and a half weeks in August in East Timor. East Timor is a new, Catholic nation in Southeast Asia. Our Province has started a mission there around 15 years ago. We run a high school in Hera, a suburb of the capital Dili, in addition to a flourishing Dominican youth community organized in multiple localities in the nation. I had expected my assignment to be easy due to the language barrier, so I was holding more of a field-observer attitude, trying to learn how our Fathers built the mission from scratch, together with the somewhat nascent nation. I will speak about my experience in my assignment, encounters, dialogues, and prayerful reflections in this precious exposure.
East Timor night sky
I had two assignments: assisting with the aspirant formation and helping two Grade 12 English classes. Father John Ko, the formator of aspirants, asked me to teach the two aspirants in Hera. I designed a two-week spiritual program aimed at accompanying them in making a conscious total self-giving and deepening both their spiritual and missionary dimensions. We had around eight sessions, each lasting 1 hour and 15 minutes, in which we covered topics such as arguments for God’s existence, the historicity of the Gospel, the model of intentional accompaniment, prayerful immersion into one’s past, and morality. There follows a 20-minute individual prayer. I met with them individually twice to more intensely accompany them. In the end, by God’s grace, their gratitude seems to show their substantial harvest in the two weeks of intentional accompaniment.
A view of our high school from our house
Moreover, I spent around eight sessions tutoring English individually with them in the two weeks. Such an immersive experience of the arduous but joyful task of intentional accompaniment not only trains my preaching and teaching aptitude, but also reveals to me that I do enjoy accompanying individuals.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Hera
Father Santiago, the head supervisor of our St. Thomas Aquinas school beside our house, asked me to accompany two grade 12 English classes for three weeks. I was mainly observing how the teacher taught and how the students reacted, though I did lead one entire session of activity for each class. I reflected that the students were lovely, and our mission is playing an important societal role, training Catholic builders of tomorrow of East Timor. I reflect that to construct a mission on such a scale relies on institutional teamwork–in contrast to individual work–made possible thanks to the vow of obedience. May the youth individually encounter Christ through our brothers’ work!
Celebration of the Confirmation of around 1000 persons in Hera
Another fruit of the exposure is my encounter with the people. On August 8th, I attended the perpetual profession of a Dominican sister. During the subsequent feast with the people, a common dancing started–apparently that is the tradition of Timorese celebration. Old ladies and men, young people, children, sisters, and friars danced exuberantly. Seeing their simple footwork and rhythmic gestures, under the background festal music, I saw their sincere joy. I thought about how I wished to have that joy, too. Sitting, I reflected deeply into my life and God’s vocation for me. God thus planted His word deep in my heart. Indeed missionaries are beneficiaries of the local culture.
East Timor coastline
This exposure also fostered communion among friars in the Province, through our communal times and dialogues, enriching me with their experience and committing me more to serve the Province’s mission. I have also benefited from my study and prayer over the past three weeks, as I have tried to balance the various indispensable elements of a friar’s life.
Overall, as a student friar, this mission exposure proves to be a treasure. I thank the Province for their formation arrangement.
Text and photo: Marcus Tan. August 28th, 2026.
On the way back to Macao
Fr. Hilary Plureh, OP, Student Master
The student brothers in Macau began their 2026-27 academic year with a five-day
retreat at the Retreat Centre of the Diocese, Vila São José. It was from August 31st
to September 4th. The retreat master was Fr. Jesus Maria Hernandez Gonzalez also
known as Fr. Chusmi, the Socius of the Provincial. It happened that Fr. Felipe Triguros
Buena, the Regent of the studies, visited the studentate during this period. Therefore,
on the morning of August 31st, Fr. Felipe encouraged the brothers to study hard and
emphasized the importance of the studies in the Order. Then, the retreat started in the
afternoon. The main theme of the retreat was “Our Father.” With this topic, Fr. Chusmi
delivered the 8th talk to the brothers. It was simple but touching and inspiring. I hope
that our student brothers have filled their spirits with energy and will journey well
throughout this academic year. We sincerely thank Fr. Chusmi for his effort, and we
appreciate his willingness to help our student brothers with their spiritual matters in the
coming year.
I would like to share some photos of the student retreat with all the brothers in
the province, and kindly ask everyone to pray for their success in their institutional
studies as well as for their perseverance in their vocation.
The University of St Joseph’s Graduation ceremonies for the Academic Year 2025-2026 were held on July 4, 2026. Among the graduating students, there were five of our brothers, namely, Natalino Da Costa, Augustine Plyar Reh, Paul Shan Tu, Orlando Lopes, and Filipe Mouzinho. They attended the event, dressed up in their academic robes, and went up to the stage upon the calling of their names to receive their diploma from the hands of the Dean of the Faculty of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Fr Cyril Law.
Some pictures captured the memorable moment as they were sided by USJ Academic authorities, headed by the Bishop of Macau, the Rector of the University, and the Dean of the Faculty. More pictures followed outside the auditorium after the graduation ceremony.
On the other hand, the five of them successfully defended their thesis, once they were approved by their respective moderators or advisers. The defenses took place online, as they are done in collaboration and with the participation of some professors from the Catholic University of Lisbon, to which our University is affiliated.
Warmest congratulations to our graduated brothers, who are now challenged to put into action the knowledge acquired during their five years in Macau, as they are assigned to other communities of the Province to start a new stage in their religious life.
In the month of June, when the classes of the academic year 2025-2026 had ended, the student brothers at the Priory gathered together for a month of common studies at home. Some home professors as well as some invited professors from outside gave us a series of short courses, shared their knowledge with us and made our learning experience truly exciting.
In the first week, we had the honor of learning from Fr. Martin Bai, OP. He highlighted the power of reading and urged us to develop a reading habit. He showed us how reading can open our minds and help us understand the world more deeply. As Dominican brothers, he reminded us that knowing God’s word is crucial for sharing our messages effectively.
During the second week, Fr Javier, OP led us through Church Matrimonial Law. This knowledge is essential for us as future priests, helping our understanding in dealing with marriage issues. Fr Javier’s insights helped us see the value of the sacrament of marriage and the responsibilities embraced by the espouses.
In the third week, Fr John Mi Shen guided us in Pastoral Communication. His engaging stories made the lessons relatable and fun. He emphasized that communication is a special gift from God, allowing us to share our experiences and beliefs. He also encouraged us to use social media wisely, as a way to connect positively with others.
The fourth week introduced us to the Theology of Mission with Sr. Christine, MOP, from Myanmar. She passionately spoke about the meaning of mission work and highlighted important areas in the world that need our attention. Her discussions challenged us to think about how we can become effective ambassadors of our faith.
Finally, in the last week of June, we explored Ecology with Fr. Anthony, from Thailand. We discussed topics like biodiversity and the importance of caring for our planet. We also talked about Christian Digital Humanism and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Father Anthony reminded us that while AI can do a lot of good, it also comes with challenges that we need to be aware of.
We are truly thankful to all the professors who took the time to share their wisdom with us this month. Each lecture deepened our understanding and inspired us to take seriously our responsibilities. Their teachings will guide us as we serve our community and embrace God’s calling to us.
Congratulations to our Dominican brothers Alphonso, Augustine, and Orlando for their solemn profession! On June 21, amidst the harmonious hymns led by our community of student brothers during the Eucharistic celebration, the three were consecrated to God until death, as friar Jesús María Hernandez, the Socius of the Prior Provincial, received their profession on behalf of the Master of the Order. The whole attending congregation exulted in joy!
“The total commitment of the Preachers to the proclamation of the Gospel by word and work is shown by the fact that at solemn profession they are united fully and permanently with Christ’s life and mission” (LCO, “The Fundamental Constitution” VI). When the three brothers, therefore, vowed to lovingly surrender their whole lives to God, in the footstep of St. Dominic, they were permanently united with Christ as consecrated preachers in the Order. Such is a profound deepening and a rich flowering of their baptismal grace. Such is how they felt the total self-giving of the Lord Jesus to themselves. And such is how they are inspired to respond by a total self-giving in their turn to the Lord in a more direct consecration.
Let us rejoice with these three brothers and pray for them and for ourselves, too, that we may ever grow in faith in and love for God!
Brother Marcus Tan, OP.
