Author name: Komunikator Serikat Jesus

Meeting of the Jesuit Brothers The International Commission of the Brother’s Call has begun a three-year journey to deepen this fundamental calling. The Roman Curia hosted the inaugural meeting of the International Commission on the Jesuit Brothers (ICJB) to follow up on the international meeting of the brothers in Rome last July 2022. This new initiative marks the beginning of a work and discernment process that will take place over the next three years. This commission, which reflects the diversity and universality of the Society, unites Jesuit Brothers from six Provincial Conferences: Africa and Madagascar, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia Pacific, Canada and the United States, Europe and the Middle East, and South Asia.   What is interesting about this commission is the participation of a nun and a lay collaborator of the Society, as well as two Jesuit priests who bring a broader and richer perspective to the dialogue about the Jesuit Brother vocation. This diverse composition reflects the spirit of collaboration that characterizes the way the Society operates in today’s world.   In this first meeting in Rome, the commission laid the groundwork that will address fundamental issues such as the identity and mission of the Jesuit Brothers in today’s world, the formation process, and the promotion of vocations. This meeting combines deep reflection, prayer, and Ignatian discernment as a follow-up to the 2022 meeting, which yielded many important outcomes.   The three-year extension of the commission’s mandate allows these issues to be discussed in depth, facilitating a listening process that includes the voices of Brothers and colleagues working from various parts of the world. This timeframe also allows for the gradual development of initiatives and the observation of their dynamics in different cultural contexts.   The work of this commission is very relevant as the Church seeks to renew its forms of presence and service in the world. The Jesuit Brothers, with their rich tradition of service in various fields such as education, healthcare, administration, and technical work, are important witnesses to the life of devotion in this modern world.   This three-year process, initiated by Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., is an essential commitment of the Society towards the future of the Jesuit Brother vocation. The meeting in Rome marks the beginning of a good path to strengthen and renew the Jesuit Brother’s vocation for serving the Church and the world in this century.   This article is a translation of the article “Jesuit Brothers: Deepening this Essential Vocation“. This article was translated with adjustments by the SJ Provindo Secretariat Team on April 1, 2024.

“With the acceptance of this relic, we hope that the Parish of Saint Ignatius of Loyola will be further enriched with the spirit of Ignatius. The presence of this relic is not only a symbol but also a reminder of the call to live a holy life, to serve with boundless love, and to embody the ‘Magis’ spirit of giving the best for God and others. May all the parishioners be inspired by the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola to continue growing in faith, hope, and love. The spirit of ‘Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam,’ for the greater glory of God, may it be a guiding principle in every work and prayer. We believe that by honoring and through the intercession of Saint Ignatius, this parish will be increasingly empowered to live in the light of the Gospel.”   That message of hope became the closing of the letter of the handover of the relic of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, read by Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S.J., during the Eucharistic celebration at the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Semplak – Bogor, on Saturday, January 25, 2025. After reading the letter, the relic in the form of a piece of Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s robe was enshrined on the altar, accompanied by the song Amare et Servire (To Love and Serve).   The parishioners of Semplak not only rejoiced at the blessing of the relics but also expressed gratitude for the blessing and inauguration of the Saint Paul Pastoral Center. Not only that, the congregation also rejoiced on the 61st birthday of Rev. Fr. Antonius Dwi Haryanto (Father Anton), who has been the Parish Priest of Semplak Parish since 2017. The joy was celebrated in the Eucharist, co-celebrated by Mgr. Paskalis Bruno Syukur, OFM (Bishop of the Bogor Suffragan Diocese), Mgr. Christophorus Tri Harsono (Bishop of the Purwokerto Suffragan Diocese), RD. Kol (Sus.) Yoseph Maria Marcelinus Bintoro (Deputy Bishop for Catholics in the TNI and POLRI), Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S.J. (Provincial Indonesian Province of Society of Jesus), RD. Antonius Dwi Haryanto (Current Pastor of Semplak Parish), and RD. Ridwan Amo (First Pastor of Semplak Parish).   Mgr. Paskalis reflects on the conversion of Saint Paul in his homily. God has taken the initiative to call humans to work with Him. He took action to convert Saul, someone who was fervently destroying the followers of Jesus. God transformed him into a great missionary who preached Jesus wherever he went. Mgr. Paskalis also took the example of Mgr. Tri Harsono was born from the womb of the Semplak parish in a family of the Air Force’s Special Forces Command. Mgr. Tri was chosen by God to work in proclaiming the name of God by becoming the bishop of Purwokerto. Mgr. Paskalis invites the Semplak congregation, who chose St. Ignatius of Loyola as their patron, to follow Christ in the way of St. Ignatius, who had total obedience to the Catholic Church in any circumstance.   In his welcoming speech, Father Anton thanked all parties from the Bogor Diocese, the Air Force Base, and the faithful involved in the dynamic journey of this parish’s development. “All this joy happens because of God’s extraordinary grace and love.”   Father Anton specifically thanked Father Benny and Father Windar from the Provincial House of the Indonesian Province of Society of Jesus for the gift of the relics given to the parishioners of Semplak. This is inseparable from the people who love Saint Ignatius, especially the couple Antonius Imam Toni and Retno, who have long sought this relic and successfully obtained it from the Provincial Office of the Society of Jesus.   A Glimpse of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, Semplak—Bogor Parish Semplak is part of the Bogor Suffragan Diocese, which has unique characteristics. Located in the Atang Sendjaja Air Force Base area, this parish is considered a young parish because it was only established on August 1, 2015, after previously being part of the service work of the Bogor Cathedral Parish. The Semplak Catholic community began to organize in 1964. Then, in 1977, the Catholic and Protestant communities received the ecumenical church facilities from the commander of the Air Force Base. The Catholic community then used the church building as St. Peter’s Chapel, becoming the Sola Gratia Church for the Protestant community. Although it stands on land owned by the Indonesian Air Force, the Catholic community in Semplak is composed of members from the Air Force category and includes non-military residents living outside the Air Force Base complex.   The increase in the number of parishioners in the St. Petrus Semplak area is very encouraging. In 2005, the area management proposed the construction of a Catholic church to the Air Base Commander, which was approved by the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force. September 8, 2006, is a historic day because the Semplak area was elevated to the status of a station. On that day, the new church was blessed by Mgr. Michael Cosmas Angkur, O.F.M., was inaugurated by the commander of the Atang Sendjaja airbase, Air Commodore Ignatius Basuki, whose baptismal name inspired the naming of the Semplak parish.   Quoting Father Benny’s speech, Ignatius of Loyola is a very fitting name for this parish located in a military environment. Saint Ignatius was initially a soldier with extraordinary ambitions. However, after his dreams were shattered by a mortar shell during the battle in Pamplona, his grand ambitions were surrendered to what God desired. “Whatever I do is for the greater glory of God.“   The congregation’s growth is accompanied by the need for buildings to facilitate its activities. Building a rectory that can accommodate more than one pastor is also deemed necessary. Therefore, since 2019, a committee for the construction of pastoral facilities has been formed. However, the building could only be completed starting in January 2024 after receiving permission from the TNI AU Base. The long wait of the Semplak parishioners ended beautifully with the blessing and inauguration of the pastoral

Diaconal Ordination 2025 Eleven brothers from several dioceses and congregations received the diaconate ordination this year from Archbishop Rubiyatmoko. The Eucharistic celebration of the diaconate ordination was held at the Chapel of St. Paul’s Major Seminary, Kentungan, on January 28, 2025, at 10:00 WIB. One of the brothers ordained as a deacon comes from the Society of Jesus Indonesian Province, Sch. Jakobus Aditya Christie Manggala, S.J., from Babadan Parish, Yogyakarta. Bishop Rubiyatmoko led this celebration accompanied by Fr. Alexius Dwi Ariyanto, Rector of St. Paul Major Seminary, and Fr. Barnabas Kara, OCD, Superior of the OCD Theologate House St. Theresia Lisieux, Yogyakarta.   The theme of this diaconate ordination is taken from Luke 6:36, “Be merciful.” God the Father is generous, as seen through Jesus in His ministry. Bishop Ruby reminded the deacon candidates in his homily to live out their calling generously. According to Bishop Ruby, a generous person has three characteristics: sincerity, seriousness, and totality. In sincerity, the deacons, in carrying out their service, do so sincerely, wholeheartedly, and selflessly and prioritize the interests of those they serve, not their interests. Seriousness in serving is done with complete seriousness and sincerity, well-preparedness, determination, and intention to dedicate it to God. In totality, the service of the deacons is carried out wholeheartedly, even by those willing to sacrifice themselves, like Jesus, who dared to give Himself up for us whom He loves.   These newly ordained deacons then received a mandate to continue the tasks they were currently working on. Deacon Adit continues his master’s and licentiate studies in theology at the Wedabhakti Faculty of Theology of Sanata Dharma University. After the Eucharist, Deacon Adit, along with the family and guests, headed to Kolsani for lunch. May the newly ordained deacons be able to live their calling more fully and experience joy like those they serve.   Contributor: Jesuit Indonesia Communicator Team

On Saturday, January 18, 2025, a delegation of brothers from Kolese Hermanum visited the Mubarok Campus in the Parung area, West Java. Mubarok Campus is Indonesian Ahmadiyya’s center and serves as a “seminary” for prospective Ahmadiyya imams in Indonesia. There are 15 Jesuit scholastics from various countries accompanied by Father Guido Chrisna, S.J., and Mr. Buddhy Munawar, an Islamology lecturer at STF Driyarkara, who visited the Ahmadiyya community. This visit aims for the scholastics to understand better the Ahmadiyya Community, which is often persecuted by Muslims in general, and to foster in-depth interfaith dialogue.   Our visit was welcomed by the National Amir of the Indonesian Ahmadiyya Community (the leader of Ahmadiyya in Indonesia), Maulana Mirajuddin Sahid. During the opening ceremony of this visit, the National Amir advised us to constantly strive for dialogue with various parties to create harmony within the community. After the opening ceremony, we were invited to learn about the history and spirituality of the Ahmadiyya community in a building they call the Peace Center. When entering the Peace Center, we were shown photos of religious leaders from around the world (including Pope Francis), the founder of the Ahmadiyya Community and his successors, Indonesian national figures who are part of the Ahmadiyya Community, and the service works of Ahmadiyya in Indonesia.   The Ahmadiyya community has become the most discriminated and persecuted community in the Muslim world due to their differing beliefs, particularly regarding the concept of the Messiah and Prophet, which contrasts with the general beliefs of Muslims. Mirza Ghulam Ahmad founded this community in India in the 19th century. Ahmadiyah believes that the Messiah’s Second Coming has occurred and that the Promised Messiah is their founder. Although most of their beliefs are similar to those of Islam in general, their interpretation of the role of the Messiah has become a controversial point of difference. As a result, they are often considered non-Muslims by the broader Muslim community. The center of the Ahmadiyya community needs to be moved from Pakistan to London due to security issues.   The leadership of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was continued by his successors, who were titled Khalifatul Masih. Now, the Ahmadiyya Community is led by Khalifatul Masih V, whose real name is Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. Khalifatul Masih V always calls for peace and love in his sermons. Love for all and hatred for none is the motto of the Ahmadiyya Community and is always carried and demonstrated by Khalifatul Masih V in every sermon.   After getting acquainted with their history and faith, the scholastics were invited to dialogue with the Ahmadiyya “seminarians.” Like most mid-level seminaries, the students at Mubarok Campus live in a large dormitory and sleep together in large barracks. They are not allowed to access the internet or use mobile phones. They even experienced a “pilgrimage” for three days.   After graduating high school, prospective Ahmadiyya imams undergo seven years of education at Mubarok Campus. After seven years, they will be “ordained” as Ahmadiyya imams and receive a direct commission from Khalifatul Masih, the highest leader of the Ahmadiyya community. All transfers of missionary duties must be based on the decision of Khalifatul Masih with recommendations from the national leaders of Ahmadiyah in a country.   Indirectly, the hierarchical system used by the Ahmadiyya community is not much different from the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. The Ahmadiyya community has a general leader called Khalifatul Masih. How they appoint their imams also seems similar to how the Catholic Church appoints its priests. This is not to mention how the formation process for Ahmadiyya imam candidates is identical to that of Catholic priest candidates.   The similarities in technical aspects and the high value of love they uphold strengthen us. Our visit to this Ahmadiyah pesantren further strengthened our resolve to network and collaborate with all parties to create a “bonum commune” within society. Indeed, what we believe is undoubtedly different from theirs. However, we share a common vision and values with them that are equally upheld by the Catholic Church and Ahmadiyya itself, namely loving one another and realizing peace in the world.   Finally, this visit concluded with a sports activity with the Ahmadiyah “seminarians.” We played soccer to conclude this meaningful visit.   Contributor: Schs. Feliks Erasmus Arga, S.J. and Aman Aslam, S.J.

On Tuesday evening, February 4, 2025, at 5:27 local time, Father Augustinus Mangunhardjana, S. J., passed away at Santa Elisabeth Hospital in Semarang at the age of 82. He was a member of the Apostolic Community at the Santo Stanislaus Kostka College in Girisonta. Father Mangunhardjana was a senior Jesuit with a long Jesuit formation and contributed significantly to the governance of the Society of Jesus in Indonesia and other pastoral works. Born in Sleman-Yogyakarta on August 28, 1943, he was the son of Mr. Samidi Mangunhardjana and Mrs. Juventia Masirah Mangunhardjana. He was baptized at St. Joseph’s Church in Medari, Sleman, and spent his childhood in Malang Village, Medari-Sleman. After finishing elementary school, he continued his secondary education at St. Peter Canisius’ Seminary in Magelang from 1956 to 1963. He became interested in becoming a Jesuit and entered St. Stanislaus Novitiate in Girisonta on September 7, 1963. He made his first vows on September 8, 1965. After his first vows, he spent a year in the Juniorate program at Santo Stanislaus College in Girisonta before studying philosophy in Pune, India, for four years from 1966 to 1970, where he received his tonsure and minor orders on February 4, 1969. Following his philosophy studies, he served as Assistant Secretary at Kanisius Foundation in Semarang for two years before studying theology for three years at Wedabhakti Pontifical Faculty of Theology – Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta. During his theology studies, he received diaconal ordination on September 17, 1975, and sacerdotal ordination on December 3, 1975, by the Archbishop of Semarang, Mgr. Justinus Cardinal Darmojuwono. He pronounced his final vows as a professed Jesuit on February 16, 1983, at the Chapel of Provincial’s House in Karangpanas-Semarang and received by Fr. Julius Darmaatmadja, S.J.   After his ordination, he served at various ministries, including as a prefect of discipline at Kolese de Britto High School in Yogyakarta and in different educational and pastoral ministries. Father Mangunhardjana was recognized for his dedication to writing and translating works in education and leadership.   His body was laid at Santa Elisabeth Hospital’s funeral home from the evening of February 4, 2025, until the morning of February 5, 2025. A Requiem Mass will be held on Wednesday morning, February 5, 2025, at 11:00 at St. Stanislaus Church, Girisonta, followed by burial at Taman Makam Maria Ratu Damai in the College of St. Stanislaus’ compound. All members of the province are requested to celebrate a special Eucharist for the peace of Father Augustinus Mangunhardjana’s soul.