Four deacons of the Society of Jesus, SS Antonius Septian Marhenanto, Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho, Jacobus Aditya Christie Manggala, and Leo Perkasa Tanjung, were ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop of Semarang, Mgr. Robertus Rubiyatmoko, at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Yogyakarta on July 23, 2025. Families, guests, and many other faithful joined the solemn ordination Mass with great gratitude.
In his homily, Archbishop Rubiyatmoko emphasized the importance of commitment and deep determination for the newly ordained priests. He reminded them that the Sacrament of Holy Orders should be understood as a celebration of gratitude for God’s grace. This year’s ordination theme was “Becoming Companions on the Path of Hope,” which underscored the role of priests as companions to Jesus and the marginalized and wounded. Priests today must be more than just teachers; they need to be present, listen, and heal the wounded.
Archbishop Rubiyatmoko advised priests not to lose hope, as hope brings effort and results. They are not alone in this task, as God and their fellow members of the Society of Jesus are ready to support them. At the end of his homily, he expressed the hope that the new priests would become true friends to those in need and bring them hope. Additionally, they were reminded to follow the example of Saint Paul in finding joy even amid suffering.
After being ordained, the four new priests were assigned their respective duties: Fr. Antonius Septian Marhenanto will serve as the Full Time Coordinator of the IDO Province Communication Team, Fr. Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho as a staff member of YPPK Adhi Luhur High School in Papua, Fr. Jacobus Aditya Christie Manggala as Director of Campus Ministry at Sanata Dharma University, and Fr. Leo Perkasa Tanjung will further his studies in Sacred Scriptures in Rome. They gave their first blessing to the congregation after the Mass, followed by a reception at St. Ignatius College. It is hoped that they will shepherd the faithful with love and care.
Contributor: Bonifasia Amanda – Indonesian Jesuit Communicator Team
