In a nation
where sectarian divisions are “in continual and strong growth,” a person like
Fr. Charles BURROWS becomes “a good example” as to how “a foreign missionary
can show his commitment to loving others, in spite of their Islamic identity.”
For these reasons, Professor Syafi’i Maarif, scholar and founder of the Maarif
Institute, has awarded the 2012 prize of the same name to Fr. Charles, a
Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate of Irish descent (born in Dublin). Since
1973, he has lived in Cilacap in the province of Central Java, southwest
Indonesia. He has dedicated himself in particular to missionary work with the
poor inhabitants of Segara Anakan Delta, a coastal zone where the vast majority
are Muslim, very poor and lacking basic resources.
Syafi’i Maarif
is a prominent figure on the cultural landscape of Indonesia: Dean of the
University of Islamic Studies in Yogyakarta and former president of the
moderate Muslim Muhammadiya, the
second largest in the country. He has also decided to create the Maarif
Institute for culture and humanity, committed to the work of integration,
inter-religious dialogue and the promotion of national culture. Each year, the
center bestows the Maarif Award,
granted to individuals who are distinguished for their work in behalf of the
development of Indonesia.
Among the
reasons that led to the choice of Fr. Charles, there is his “total commitment”
and passion for the welfare of the inhabitants of Segara Anakan, without
distinction, exclusiveness or favoritism, in spite of the fact that they are
overwhelmingly Muslim. The priest received the award in late May during a
public event which was held in the capital, Jakarta. The Irish priest, promoter
of the Social Bina Sejahtera Foundation, is the third Catholic personality to
receive the award.
Fajar Riza Ul
Haq, director of the Maarif Institute, praised the “commitment” of the priest
to charitable work and to bettering society based on “pluralism,” through which
he “has been able to build bridges” between cultures. Fr. Charles has designed
schools and community centers, and he never uses his position as a priest to
attract people to himself. “He has infinite patience and a deep humility,”
concludes Mrs. Atiek Wibisono, a Catholic from Cilicap. (www.asianew.it)
