Antonius Harnoko, cicm
Missionary in Japan
Last January, during my Taiwan Period, I felt the urge to take a refreshing day off. I wandered into the National Taiwan Museum (NTM), which is elegantly nestled within the peaceful surroundings of the 228 Peace Memorial Park—a tranquil oasis just a short stroll from our Provincial House in the vibrant core of Taipei. The NTM, which has been a beacon of Taiwan's cultural heritage since its establishment in 1908, is the oldest museum in the country, and entering its grand halls felt like stepping into a time capsule. As I traversed the spacious galleries, a sense of wonder enveloped me as I encountered a captivating array of exhibits. The archaeological treasures and vibrant cultural displays spoke volumes about Taiwan's multifaceted history, intricately intertwined with the broader Asian narrative. The influence of neighboring nations such as the Philippines and Indonesia echoed through the artifacts, creating a chorus of stories that constituted Taiwan's identity. As I leisurely wandered from display to display, a modest placard drew my attention, discreetly positioned in a quiet corner of the museum. It bore the elegant Chinese characters 過去的未來, translating to "the past is the future." The message struck a deep chord within me, sparking a profound reflection. Museums serve as gateways into the past, guiding us through historical corridors and compelling us to reflect on our present state and envision our future possibilities. I stood in silence for several moments, absorbing the placard's depth and allowing its wisdom to wash over me. It is so simple, yet so deep.
As the calendar turned to 2025, I found myself fully engaged in a collaborative effort alongside my Provincial Government members, reviewing and updating our Provincial Statutes. This meticulous task required us to delve deeply into the rich tapestry of our own CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) and Church documents. It revealed their inherent complexity and depth. Contributions from confreres across various districts and communities infused new perspectives, transforming our documents into dynamic records of our enduring tradition and mission.
In reflecting on our collective journey, it's easy for those of us who publicly embrace religious life to overlook the sacred duty of engaging with the Bible and our foundational documents. These cherished texts are often relegated to dusty shelves, untouched and forgotten. A lingering misconception prevails: our relationship with these documents concludes upon professing our Perpetual Vows and ordination. Yet, the vibrant life of Jesus depicted in the Gospels, the wisdom shared by our forebearers, and the best practices enshrined in our foundational texts yearn to be revisited and absorbed as part of our spiritual journey.
From February 19 to 27, I had the wonderful moment to participate in a collaborative training session for the Provincial Government of RP and ASI. This event was guided by our Superior General, Fr. Charles Phukuta, alongside Fr. Peter Koh, our Finance representative. Set against the tranquil backdrop of Maryshore in Bacolod City, the seven days were filled with enriching dialogues. We engaged deeply with the wealth contained within our CICM documents, and the diversity of discussions, paired with candid sharing from each confrere, transformed our study into a profound journey of mutual discovery. Throughout the week, I was struck by the revelation that revisiting our history through the lens of these documents was not merely an academic exercise; it became a sacred act of spiritual and evangelical renewal, reaffirming our identity as religious missionaries. The more I immersed myself in the texts and absorbed the experiences shared by my confreres—moments of joy intermingled with challenges—the more empowered I felt to move forward despite my own feelings of inadequacy.
One of my most cherished Gospel narratives is the Emmaus experience. In the story, as the disciples embark on their journey back home, the intense presence of Jesus, along with His affirming words, illuminated their path, even during their darkest moments. Their struggles became catalysts for enlightenment, urging them to persevere with renewed hope. I realized that our past does not need to become a lifeless museum of regret. Instead, revisiting our history can pave the way for embracing the new possibilities that lie ahead. The Emmaus experience truly embodies the essence of this Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope.
As we embark on a new chapter with a fresh Provincial Government in the Province of Asia, I find myself reflecting once more on the wisdom encapsulated in that small placard at the NTM. Accompanying these thoughts is a silent prayer of gratitude. I am profoundly thankful to God for the countless blessings of the past years. Each experience, whether meticulously documented or lingering in the warmth of memory, provides invaluable insights that shape our present reflections and aspirations for the future. Indeed, our hope flourishes in a perspective that views the past as a guiding light, illuminating the paths that lie before us.
