BE THE HANDS AND FEET OF CHRIST
By Joseph (Anselm) Pegu
Former SVD Brother
I am a former Brother who dedicated 18 years to the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). I spent six months as a brother candidate and worked at Arnold Printing in Ende, followed by another six months as a postulant. I then entered the SVD Novitiate in Ende, Flores, for two years and underwent an additional year of formation as a junior Brother. Afterwards, I worked for five years at PT Ani Pty Ltd, Arnold Printing in Ende, and in the secretariat of the SVD Ende province. After completing a six-month program for my perpetual vows, I took those vows on September 8, 1992, and received my first mission placement in the SVD Province of Australia.
After a long wait for my visa, I arrived in Australia on September 1, 1993, to begin my missionary work. During my first year, I concentrated on learning the language and culture while participating in academic programs including English, computer studies, theology, pastoral care, and Heart of Life spirituality. I worked as a housekeeper for the Dorish Maru College (DMC) Box Hill community, progressing to positions as Assistant Postulant Director and Assistant Novice Master at the SVD Sydney Community, and ultimately becoming the Prefect of the SVD Seminarians at DMC Box Hill. However, after extensive discernment, reflection, spiritual direction, counselling, and discussions with some SVD confreres, I officially resigned from the SVD on September 8, 2001. Following a dispensation from the Holy See, I received the sacrament of marriage in September 2003.
Deciding to live outside the SVD community as a regular layperson required me to embrace independence and break free from reliance on SVD, which had been the foundation of my life for a long time. Consequently, to ensure my livelihood, I started working at a food factory before transitioning to a car company, where I stayed for about four years. These jobs proved to be extremely demanding and tough, both physically and mentally—challenges I had never faced during my time at the monastery. Nevertheless, I find satisfaction and happiness in being able to sustain myself through my earnings from hard work. Each cent I make is incredibly valuable and significant in my efforts to forge my own path.
My thoughts on celebrating the 150th anniversary of the SVD focus on my work as a social worker or community services worker, especially in the Aged Care Sector, a path I’ve been following since mid-2005. I selected this profession during the baby boomer phenomenon in Australia, where more individuals are reaching retirement age while the workforce in health and community services remains inadequate; consequently, there is an urgent need for workers in the Aged Care sector.
Aged care encompasses the support and services provided to older peoples, especially those needing help with daily living activities or specialised medical attention. This support may include assistance with personal care, household chores, transportation, and healthcare access, and it can be offered in a range of environments, including in-home care, residential aged care facilities (also known as nursing homes), or retirement communities.
Over the past 18 years, I have collaborated with various aged care providers and institutions focused on delivering community services like home support, home care, and residential care. With a background in theology education, pastoral care, community services, and aged care training, I began my career as a personal care worker. My primary responsibilities include assisting the elderly, sick, paralyzed individuals, those with dementia, and people with mental disabilities. Adhering to the rules and policies of each aged care provider, I aim to alleviate illnesses and injuries, provide pain relief, comfort the suffering, instil hope in the desperate, accompany the lonely, offer solace to the grieving, simplify daily tasks, pray with them, and bolster their faltering faith. As I reflect on my 18 years in this ministry, I find it impossible to quantify or truly know the number of individuals I have assisted, the lives I have impacted, the wounds I have bandaged, or the tears I have dried.
Even though I have permanently resigned from the SVD Congregation, SVD Spirituality remains the essence and inspiration of my life as a regular layperson. The mission bestowed upon me at my baptism and during my vows is unchanged. While I may remove my SVD cassock and set aside my SVD constitution book, the mission Cross and the Holy Scriptures I was given will accompany me wherever I go, for the rest of my life. The spiritual gift reflected in St Arnold Janssen's spirituality, which I have cherished for many years, will continue to steer and shape my family's life. Thus, regardless of the life and service I pursue outside the SVD congregation, it will still be in harmony with the SVD mission, now taking on a new expression as a layperson. I recognise that my experiences and contributions in Australia thus far are the fruits of the SVD's generosity and kindness, as well as the result of the mission assignment I received when I made my perpetual vows. Therefore, with humility and gratitude I feel indebted especially to the SVD Ende province and the SVD Australia province who made my life and ministry possible.
The Society of the Divine Word (SVD), established 150 years ago by St Arnold Janssen, aims to spread the love of Jesus Christ to all, particularly the poor and marginalised, through pastoral care and practical support. Their activities encompass various initiatives, including evangelisation, administering sacraments, leading community worship, conducting Bible studies, and initiating medical, educational, and agricultural projects.
The spirituality and charisma of the SVD founder emphasise following Jesus, the first missionary sent by the Father to teach and demonstrate how to live by God's will. Thus, the SVD embodies Jesus' mission as a model for spreading the Word of God, not just through words but also through exemplary living. As Jesus stated, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:16).
Reflecting on my journey as both a member of the SVD and a layperson, I am fulfilling the SVD mission, which I embraced at my baptism and reaffirmed upon taking my final vows. I was specifically called to serve the elderly, the sick, the disabled, the paralysed, the blind, those with dementia, and the mentally disabled in response to the contemporary needs of mission work in Australia. The mission encompasses not only establishing new fields but also nurturing existing ones so they can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
The service model described above encompasses not only Personal Care Worker roles but also Pastoral Care, because it is offering compassionate and supportive assistance to individuals and families, often within a religious setting. This model also addresses emotional, spiritual, and occasionally physical needs by providing encouragement, counselling, and various forms of support to foster well-being and development.
In the end, I realised my mission was to be the hands and feet of Christ for those suffering, be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. As Jesus commanded: “Heal the sick; raise the dead; cleanse the lepers; cast out demons. Freely you received; freely give” (Matthew 10:18).
PHOTO: Joseph Pegu.