Name: Stefanus “Cipto” Widjaja
There are angels among the Knights!
From the time I joined the Knights back in Aug 2005, having arrived from Indonesia six months earlier, the Knights have always been there for me and my family. My oldest child was almost five and my second was born less than three months after we landed in this country. I come from a family of seven siblings, so when I migrated to the US 20 years ago, I felt that need of support group for myself and my family. Though I had the help from my brother-in-law and his family, imagine being in a new country with little knowledge of anything, ie. culture, employment, and other life aspects. The Knights provided encouragement, social support and friendship. Besides the social support, the Knights life insurance is also a great pull factor for me to join.
One of the Knights at Our Mother of Confidence church invited me to join the group there. In Aug 2005 I became the 1st degree. shortly after, I ranked up to 2nd and 3rd degrees. When my family moved to Poway in 2012, we decided to join St. Gabriel church, considering mainly for ease of transportation and closeness to attend the mass and religious education. I transferred to this council shortly after.
After college, I worked but felt something missing. I took spiritual direction with a Jesuit priest who led a seminary at the suburb of Jakarta, Indonesia for around two years. I attended vocational retreat and solicitation (seminary admission selection) process. It didn’t work out for me; I didn’t get admitted. My mom who was a Buddhist, told me she said her prayers in front of a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus not to take me! I continue trusting God with His plan.
I met with my wife at work, we initially went on outings with a group of friends but in the end just the two of us. It’s a slow process of understanding, trust, and union, but this year we celebrated our 25th anniversary.
The brotherhood and camaraderie are the reasons that keep me engaged with the Knights. When I take part in the work of the Knights, I work for the community/ church. I work for something bigger than myself; I become a man for others. The Knights (of this and my previous council) have given so much to my family and I would like to give back. I’m hoping someday I’ll be able to be an angel myself; providing comfort, kindness and hope to others around me.