In the homily, Cardinal Virgílio invited all to reflect on how God has raised his Son’s mother to partake in the joy and heaven’s life since Mary’s role as our Redeemer's mother and her acceptance of fulfilling the mission to the end. With the birth of Mary, she brought light to the world, Jesus our Savior. No creature can bring this light and can do like what the Blessed Virgin Mary did. We thanked God because we have received a gift that Mary is not only the mother of God’s Son but also she is our mother too.
As reiterated by Cardinal Virgílio, before entering Colégio Fatumaca, Brother Joko was a Muslim. Even though he was accepted afterward to study in the Colégio Fatumaca, it took three years for him to be brave enough to express his desire to be a Salesian. As he was told he must be baptized first before becoming a Salesian. On Pentecost day of 2011, he was baptized, made his First Communion, and at the same time, received Confirmation. What a blessing!
For Bro. Joko, during his stay in Fatumaca, got inspired and motivated by the examples of the Salesians. The calling to be a lay brother was his option and this made up his mind as he was searching and he chose to offer himself to the young people. He left everything and old things to win everything. He wanted to serve God through the Salesian charism, not serving two or three persons only, but serving many people. Despite temptations and worldly allurements, Bro. Joko wanted to look for the highest joy, the best joy. Let’s pray for the intention of Bro. Joko so that he may become God’s useful instrument to serve and help young people in Don Bosco’s way, the way of holiness. All of this can be a reality for Bro. Joko, as stated in the motto of his perpetual profession, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”(Phil.4:13). (J Mota, SDB)
