Welcome to winter!

Earlier this month the Dehonian community in Ottawa welcomed a new member from the Indonesian Province: Frater Henrikus Suharyono, SCJ.
 
“I came to Canada on December 4,” write Fra. Henry, introducing himself. “I am so grateful that my superior gave me the opportunity to have a pastoral year in Canada.”
 
Of Frater Henry’s class of 15, two were sent outside of Indonesia for their pastoral year. His classmate, Frater Hary, is in the Philippines.
 
“I was so surprised when I learned that I would be sent to Canada,” wrote Frater Henry. “The day after my final exam (May 28, 2022) my rector [Fr. Kusmaryadi, SCJ –– an alumnus of Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology’s ECS program] asked me to see him. He told me that the formators chose me to have a pastoral year abroad. About a month later, he told me that it would be in Canada. I was very surprised because Canada was my dream since junior high school. When I was in junior high school, my friends asked me about a country I wanted to visit. I said that I wanted to visit Canada. I think that I chose Canada because it sounded cool. [Figuratively and literally in the midst of a Canadian winter!] After I learned where I would be sent I texted two friends who knew me in junior high school. I told them that I would do a pastoral year in Canada. They said, ‘OMG, your dream will come true!’ ‘Yup, thanks be to God!’ was my response. As always, God’s plan is surprising.”
 
The flight to Toronto was his first flight ever. “Fr. Jim picked me up at the airport. He brought me to St. Thomas More Parish,” said Fra. Henry. “I stayed there with Fr. Aegi, Fr. Martin, and Fr. Louis Marie. There, I saw snow for the first time. I was very happy. I also celebrated Christmas and New Year’s there.
 
“On January 12, I moved to Ottawa. Ottawa has more snow than Toronto! Here I shoveled snow for the first time and I liked it. I have walked through the city and took photos at Parliament Hill. Ottawa is a beautiful city.
 
“My main goal in Ottawa is to get to know the confreres here and improve my English. Fr. Peter and Fr. John are setting up a program for my English course. After, I’ll return to St. Thomas More to begin my pastoral ministry. I am glad to be in Canada! I ask for prayers so that my process can run smoothly. Thank you very much.”