By Jeanny Ko, ADMA Jakarta-INA

       Jakarta, Indonesia, 8 December 2022 -- On 3 December, from 9am to 12noon, we gathered in the grounds of the Post-Novitiate seminary in Sunter for our Advent Recollection aptly themed "Begin with Hope," conducted by Fr. Noel SDB.

       For us Catholics, the month of December usually marks the start of Advent.

       Advent is a period where we prepare ourselves for the commemoration of the Birth of Christ, as well as for the whole new liturgical year. And as Catholics, we prepare ourselves in numerous ways, one of which is repenting of our sins. We do this especially as a most fitting preparation for the liturgical celebration on December 25th. As we await and receive the Lord's mercy and forgiveness, Advent becomes a Season of Hope.

       Hope gives meaning to our lives, and life without hope has no meaning.

       As it was in Matthew 3:1-6, when John proclaims that the kingdom of God is near, we are encouraged to repent and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. To have hope, we need to have a strong faith, so that God’s light can shine from within us, bringing peace and love to all that we meet and encounter.

       Don Bosco, whose mission was to bring primarily young people to God, was optimistic in his efforts, despite the challenges that he had to surmount in his journey. We must learn from his example, and that means accepting the opportunities to serve with joy and zeal. Today, we as Don Bosco’s sons and daughters, are honored to extend his mission to the world.

       As children of Don Bosco, we must remain optimistic at all times. Don Bosco teaches us how to never lose hope, always begin with the end in mind and have a plan towards reaching our vision and mission.

       And so in our daily lives, we are encouraged to keep the faith and to have hope in all our endeavors and in building up our families and communities. To do this is to experience Advent every day in our daily lives.

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