The courage to move on
Last year I had the great privilege of accompanying a group of youth and young adults from Our Lady of Sorrows Church, Wahiawa, to Kalaupapa, Molokai, for a retreat. I never imagined that I would actually be able to go to the place where St. Damien de Veuster had lived and worked. He was the reason I wanted to join a missionary congregation. He went to where he was called and became a part of the people he served. That reminds me of the motto I used during my ordination, “Here I am Lord, send me where you will.” (Isaiah 6:8)
I am from Java and belong to the Indonesian province of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. When my provincial superior asked me if I would be willing to go and help in the Hawaii mission, I happily said “Yes,” and accepted to be sent. As a religious, I have taken the three vows of poverty, obedience and chastity. Whatever the provincial asks, I accept.
So although my native language is Javanese, I have studied to improve my English. Although in the seminary our breakfast often consisted of rice and fish, here in Hawaii the foods are similar. One of our special Javanese dishes is called gudek which is made of jackfruit with chicken and coconut milk. There is jackfruit here.
One of the special traits of Father Damien was that he was devoted to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Through the inspiration of the Sacred Hearts, he found meaning and support for his own life and works. He wanted to conform himself to the heart of the good God even saying that he wanted to die as a child of the Sacred Hearts. I also want to die as a child of the Sacred Hearts. Near the end of his life he said, “We lepers.” He really became a part of the people in Kalawao. He did not see any separation between them and himself. And that is how I am when I am sent to other cultures. I am easy-going. I mingle and talk, laugh and just love the people. And they welcome me in return.
By the end of April I will be moving on once again. I was on contract in Hawaii for a year. Now my provincial has asked me to go to Rome to continue my studies that I may gain more knowledge to eventually work back in Indonesia with those in the seminary in formation. Having been able to celebrate Mass in the very same church that Father Damien built with his own hands and where he nourished the people with the Eucharist is really an unforgettable experience. It has given me the courage to move on.
Father Budiyanto is a priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, Indonesia Province. After his ordination last year, he was assigned as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa. He also served at St. Michael Church in Waialua and Sts. Peter and Paul Mission in Waimea.
