Interview in preparation of EAO Brother's Congress 2018 (IV)

By Bro. Bernard Mikoli, SDB

Indonesia, 14 September 2017 -- "I'm happy Salesian Brother"

What makes you happy or joyful as a Salesian Brother?

When I entered the Salesian community, I saw two forms of the Salesian vocation, priests and brothers, that support each other. At that time (2003) there were three brothers present among us in our community. Priests or brothers, they were happy and did many things together, except when the priest was the only one to say mass. The brothers spent their time in the workshop (vocational training center - TVET) with the young people, students. I found that Salesian Brother’s vocation was in demand.

So, in the novitiate I wrote a letter asking to become a Salesian Brother. My Novice master found out my choice to be a Salesian Brother, he then said, “if one day, a younger priest becomes a rector, would you obey him?” “Yes, I replied, because Don Bosco said we should obey to our rector as he is.” Then he was smiling at me. On another day he approached me and said that he did not believe that my choice was decided as yet. Until I made my perpetual profession, he supported my vocation. Finally, I made it and I prayed that God protect and guide me until the end.

I am happy and joyful as a Salesian Brother because this is God’s call and I answered his call as a Brother. I always remembered the words from the young John Caglliero: “either monk or not, I live with Don Bosco.” These words remind me day by day that in the Salesian there is this fidelity to live with Don Bosco and the choice to decide it personally. On the other hand, in the Salesian eye, the two vocations have the same dignity. I am happy to be a Salesian Brother!

And after I became a Salesian Brother (with temporary vows) when I visited my family for the first time, they asked me about my vocation. would I someday become a priest? And I replied that I am a brother and will be a Brother (“Bruder”, in Indonesia). Some of my brothers did not understand it. In my place, when one enters the seminary it means he will become a priest. But I explained to them that in Salesian family we are the same, either brother or priest. My aunt said, “It is ok, as long as he is happy, and enjoys his vocation!” On hearing my aunt’s voice I felt it was like God’s voice and I was happy to hear it.

Who is your Salesian Brother model? Who attracted you to this form of Salesian vocation?

From the aspirantate to the novitiate I lived together with three Salesian Brothers. They were good persons and spent time with the young people in the training center. In the novitiate I read the biography of Blessed Artemide Zatti. I discovered that his life as a Salesian Brother was so simple, special, good and dedicated for the people in need. Blessed Zatti’s biography impressed me. His life was totally consecrated to God and to the people in need, especially to the sick people. He never refused to help them. He was always ready or available to help, even at night. He believed that that was a call. He also took time with his community: prayer, recreation, and work.

The life story of Br. Zatti touched me and impressed me, so I wanted to be like him. Even though, I haven’t met him personally but from his biography I felt he is alive. He was so human and holy.

What is the specific contribution of the Salesian Brother to the Salesian mission, community…?

I think that the Salesian Brother’s contribution in mission and community is the same like that of the Salesian Priest who dedicates his life for the young people who are in need. On the other hand, his mission is following his specialization for which he has prepared. So he shares his knowledge, ability, and skill for the young people or the community to which he is sent.

How to make the vocation of Salesian Brother more visible in the Church?

Firstly, I think that we should pray for the Salesian Brother vocation. where more vocations arise, then the more visible will the Salesian Brothers be in the Church. I cannot imagine how if there is no Salesian Brother, how the vocation could become visible in the Church. So prayer is the first thing to do!

Second, to strengthen and encourage those young people who decide to be Salesian Brothers by showing them the joy of Salesian life.

Third, promoting Salesian Brother’s vocation either by Salesian Brothers themselves or by Salesian Priests. The presence of the Salesian Brother in promoting his vocation influences the young people. His witness, work and duty make the young people know the Salesian Brother. The people can see the Salesian Brother face to face, contact him and be friends with them.

Any wish about the Salesian priest contribution to the Salesian Brother vocation promotion?

This is not a wish but I can say that automatically Salesian Priest “has a duty” to promote the Salesian Brother vocation. They should know and can say something about Salesian Brother because they are not just priests but Salesian Priests. Among Salesians there are two forms of Salesian Vocation. But honestly, we are all Salesians.

Also, there are some stories or biographies about Salesian Brothers that they can be shared to the young people where they are sent. This is our responsibility.

The spirituality of Salesian Brother?

Like Don Bosco our Father, teacher and friend, as our founder, I can say: “Da Mihi Animas Cetera Tolle” or even in the other words: Ora et Labora (pray and work). The Salesian Brother is a religious. We can’t separate religious life and work. We are lay but religious. Prayer is the source of our life in relation and union with God: personal prayer and community prayer: lauds and vespers, adoration, devotion to Mamma Mary, etc. Work is a human act in our responsibility to the people and God.

What does sustain your vocation? And your prayer life?

Both Salesian Brother and Salesian Priest live together the same spirituality. Living together and supporting each other does strengthen our vocation. We don’t forget this special form of life and vocation. we have personal prayer, in our relation with God. As community we celebrate together as a group prayer. Maybe we can say our work is a prayer but prayer itself cannot be the same. Work is different from prayer. In work we can pray but in prayer we cannot work (manual act). So, we manage out time to pray together with community. But as community we can celebrate it together.

Any expectations for the path towards the EAO 2018 Salesian Brothers Congress?

I think that the participants for this event not only for Salesian Brothers but there should be one superior (priest) from each province or delegate. The reason is we are Salesians: Priests and Brothers. Whatever we discuss or talk in our meeting - EAO congress should be known to each other to do in the future in our mission.

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