A Letter from the Philippines

This is Sch. Damo Chour of the Society of Jesus. I was sent to the Philippines in 2011 to undergo my Jesuit formation. (In the meantime, I went back to Cambodia for two years of regency at Xavier Jesuit School) Today, I am going to share with you a few things about my life as a Jesuit in formation and theological studies.

I am currently living in Arrupe International Residence which is located within in the Ateneo de Manila University campus. This residence houses many Jesuit scholastics from around the world, and particularly from the East-Asian and Oceania region. It is not my first time living in an international community like Arrupe. However, what is particular about this house is the Ignatian spirit in its refined moment. When I talk of a refined Ignatian spirit I don’t refer to any of those Ignatian jargons; rather, it is more of the blending of cultures where friendship and understanding grow as we thrive together despite our differences in cultures, traditions, family backgrounds, or even historical prejudices.

Here, we speak Arrupean English as we would joke zestfully; however, there is something true to it because, besides the struggle to understand various Jesuit brothers’ accents, it is the language of friendship that helps. I was very touched recently when I received a photo of Vietnamese Jesuits who are Arrupean alumni, gathered together in Vietnam to share their moments together. This really speaks of friendship which continues despite their busyness in ministries. Actually, this is what Jesuits need because we tend to be very individualistic and independent when we are engaged in our various ministries.

When I mentioned the growth of friendship and understanding earlier despite the historical prejudices, I refer specifically to my friendship with other Jesuit brothers from Thailand and Vietnam. Unlike many Cambodian people who are still trapped in the labyrinth of hatred and resentment over historical setbacks, as also fears of intrusion from these countries, which gradually results in anti-Vietnamese and Thai sentiments, I found myself getting well acquainted with my Thai as well as Vietnamese Jesuit brothers. There is a lot to learn from them, particularly their journey of faith and zeal for the betterment of humanity. As I get to know them more, I realize that Cambodia is still far behind them in terms of zeal for the betterment of humanity. We are still in that phase of patriotic thinking.
Actually, it is good to have a dose of the patriotic spirit because it gives us an identity of who we are as a nation. However, it can be very dangerous if it becomes the sole option to define one’s identity. We are in the age of globalization; thus, our horizon of thinking and interaction must be expanded. We must transcend our historical prejudices and experience a ‘national metanoia.’ My life here gave me such a concrete experience of moving beyond my historical and national prejudices. It widens my horizon of thinking and I must say that I am really grateful for it. I wish that Cambodian people will experience the same thing as we are building our patriotic spirit.

Last of all, I would like to ask for your prayers as I am about to finish my theological studies; I feel like time is flying by so fast. I am about to begin my third year already and now I am in a preparatory stage for the diaconate ordination which – by God’s grace – is to take the place next year 2022.