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A reflection on the intermediate leadership program – LKTM On April 10, 2025, I, Helarius Hido Setiawan, a student from SMK Katolik St. Mikael Surakarta, embarked on an unexpected journey through LKTM (an intermediate leadership program designed for grade 11 students at St. Michael Vocational School). This program aims to train leadership skills by having students live with host families and work at Kanisius schools across Yogyakarta, Surakarta, and Semarang. Students are sent to different locations without prior knowledge of their assignments, and they must navigate their way using public transport without mobile phones or assistance from peers.   I was assigned to the Kindergarten and Primary School of Kanisius Tlogosari in Semarang. I felt nervous about the task ahead, especially since I would be travelling alone. My worries included getting lost and not being picked up on time. However, upon arrival, I felt some relief when I met a friend, Wahyu, who was placed in the kindergarten. Each morning, I spent time helping kindergarten teachers from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, engaging with children through activities such as coloring and building with LEGO. I particularly remembered a shy child named Chinchin, who opened up to him over time.     I lived with a wonderful host mother, Ibu Maria, a caring kindergarten teacher, along with her family and a few pets. Initially frightened of the pets, I eventually grew accustomed to them and learned that comfort could come from being open to new experiences. I felt welcomed and embraced by the family, which made me feel at home.   One memorable night included a visit to Kolese Loyola High School, where my host daughter studied. The impressive school facilities left a strong impression on me, but it was the pride in her voice as she spoke about her experiences that had a profound effect on me. This made me reflect on my own school, SMK Mikael, and the values it instilled in me, not due to its size or luxury, but for its lessons in leadership, discipline, and service. I recognized that being part of SMK Mikael was not just a status but a vocation to be ready for service.   Another key figure in my experience was Mr. Adi, the school chapel caretaker, who lived a simple life alone after losing his family. Despite his solitude, he radiated a spirit of loyalty and joy. I learned the value of faithfulness from Mr. Adi, who helped clean the chapel every morning and evening, appreciating the caretaker’s genuine kindness.   The last day of the LKTM program was emotional for us. The kindergarten children hugged us tightly, and many teachers cried. Although our time together was short, my friend and I realized that the love and connections formed far surpassed any help they could have provided.   For me, LKTM was more than just a leadership program; it was a process of becoming a complete person. I experienced a whirlwind of emotions, but through all these feelings, I recognized God’s presence in the children, conversations with teachers, and family interactions. I learned that significant experiences often take place in simple moments and that teachers work with dedication, even under challenging circumstances.   I cherished small moments, such as receiving hugs from kindergartners and being regarded as a grandchild by Mr. Adi, and I learned the value of service and the healing it brings. I realized that being a young Catholic is not about participating in activities, but rather about responding to a call to be present, listen, and support others. LKTM encouraged me to take a step forward with faith, believing that even small steps could lead to tremendous growth.   Reflecting on my experience, I saw LKTM as more than a school program; it was a pilgrimage of the heart, transforming my view of the world and my relationship with God. I hope that sharing my story serves as a reminder that God is always present in life’s experiences, often unnoticed but felt in moments of joy, silence, and open heartedness.   Contribution: Helarius Hido Setiawan – student of St. Mikael Vocational School, Surakarta

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is known as the city of a million memories, famous for its rich history, beautiful tourist attractions, and delicious cuisine. Many people come to Yogyakarta to study or vacation. The writer is grateful that the SCJ Congregation chose this region as a place of learning for Dehonian scholastics and brothers. Learning takes place not only in theology classes but also involves practical experience. Through the Department of Divine Philosophy, the writer studies the concept of God and focuses on contextual theology relevant to the present time.   The writer is involved in social service experiences at Realino SPM, which serves to apply theological learning. Initially, the purpose of joining was to meet academic requirements, but he learned more from the community. Realino SPM provided an opportunity to understand social realities and cultivate compassion. The founder of the congregation, Father Leo John Dehon, is known for his struggle for social justice, particularly in addressing labor issues during the French Revolution. The values of compassion, as exemplified by Father Dehon and Gilles Deleuze’s philosophy on equality and transformation, complement the spirit of Realino SPM.   In social service, the writer recalls spiritual advice that connects love for God and love for others. The experience at the Realino Learning Community (KBR) taught the meaning of love and sacrifice. The writer feels that he has learned more about life from the children and families he has met. He realizes that they do not always think about the definition of life, but struggle to survive.   When interacting with the community, the writer was surprised to see the reality of their lives, including access to over-the-counter contraceptives. This experience led him to the realization that their lives are not about right or wrong, but about how to survive. Realino SPM plays a crucial role in helping the community and children access better education and fundamental life values. Activities at KBR bring both joy and sorrow, but the writer feels grateful for the valuable experience.   Visiting children who did not attend KBR was a precious moment when the writer and fellow volunteers picked them up. Seeing the simple conditions of their homes triggered deep reflection on the meaning of life. The experience in the Realino SPM community enabled the writer to meet many people from diverse regions, sharing dreams and hopes for a better future. He became increasingly convinced that God’s presence is real for those who suffer and despair. This experience became a blessing in his life, driving personal transformation and a deeper absorption of humanistic values.         Contributor: Sch. Marcelinus Wahyu Setyo Aji, SCJ – Realino volunteer of 2023/2024

17 Years MAGIS Indonesia: On August 23, 2025, the hall of Kanisius College in Jakarta was filled with an atmosphere of gratitude as the MAGIS Indonesia community celebrated its 17th Thanksgiving Mass. The event was attended by MAGIS alumni from Jakarta and Yogyakarta as an expression of gratitude for God’s guidance since 2008. This Mass also celebrated the first Mass of Fr. Leo Tanjung Perkasa, S.J., assistant of MAGIS Jakarta 2017, and Fr. Antonius Septian Marhenanto, S.J., an alumnus of MAGIS 2011, and the full incorporation into the Society of Fr. Alexander Koko Siswijayanto, S.J., the National Coordinator of MAGIS Indonesia.   In his homily, Fr. Leo explained the meaning of the word “magis,” which transforms from “more active” to “more like Christ in daily life.” He invited all MAGIS members to respond to the call to “Be More” according to their respective life contexts. Fr. Septian shared his personal experience of how MAGIS helped him discover his vocation to the priesthood, which began with his desire to attend World Youth Day.   Fr. Koko emphasized the importance of humility in achieving the spirit of MAGIS, asserting that the community cannot have the spirit of MAGIS without humility. The event concluded with the prayer of St. Ignatius’ Litany of Humility, a supplication to continue following God’s will. The supper with tumpengan (cone-shaped rice dish) became a symbol of gratitude and togetherness, where the first piece was given to representatives of the first and newest generations. This celebration aimed to inspire each participant to continue serving and growing in humility, following the example of St. Ignatius Loyola.       Contributor: Public Relations of MAGIS Jakarta

Participants expressed positive feedback after completing a short agriculture course held at the Reflection Center Mindol Metta Karuna in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They appreciated the practicality of the course, which included hands-on activities using inexpensive local materials. The course, organized by the Agricultural Training Course (KPTT) of Salatiga, took place on July 4-5, 2025, and aimed to boost interest in agriculture, a crucial yet underappreciated sector.   Over 30 participants, including Jesuits, teachers, and environmental activists, joined the course focused on integrated and sustainable farming. Key themes included connectivity, mutual service, and harmony, which resonate with Cambodian history, as many ancestors were farmers. However, the interest in agriculture declined due to past struggles, especially during the Khmer regime, where many were forced into farming under dire conditions.   The course taught participants how to become ecologically responsible individuals by providing foundational knowledge in agriculture, such as planting media, plant nutrition, and pest control. They actively engaged in creating planting media, hugelkultuur, and preparing local microorganisms.   At the end of the course, Father Jihnyuk was moved by the realization of interconnectedness among people, nature, and God, encouraged by a video demonstrating how trees communicate with each other through fungi and microorganisms in the soil.   Reconciliation with Creation (RWC) Meeting The agricultural course mentioned above is part of a series of events held in conjunction with the JCAP-level RWC delegation meeting, which took place at the exact location. During this RWC meeting, two main agendas were discussed. The first agenda involved inviting and requesting the winners of the Creator of Hope program to present their ecological projects. These are young individuals who have been actively involved in ecological conservation efforts for over two years, through various environmental protection activities. One of the winners that caught my attention is from Indonesia, working in coral reef and marine biodiversity conservation in the Anambas Islands. Together with the Anambas Foundation, Fauzan Maulana, the Creator of Hope winner, is collaborating to improve the underwater conditions in the waters of Anambas. Despite appearing remote, these waters have suffered significant damage due to the use of bombs and tiger nets in fishing. The core of the Creator of Hope program is RWC’s support for young people who have been actively working and fighting for the environment where they live.   The second agenda of the RWC meeting was presentations from each province and region on the ecological activities carried out in their respective areas. At the end of the RWC meeting, we proposed various activities that we could undertake together across provinces and regions, as well as the forms of assistance that could be provided or contributed. To make things clear and concrete, we eventually formed a core group that was then tasked with formulating the vision, mission, and practical steps for implementing future RWC activities. One practical step that I found particularly interesting from the final part of the meeting was the delegates’ desire to practice “Finding God in Farming.” The farming practices inspired this phrase itself carried out at KPTT. For other delegates, this was a good practice, and in fact, almost all delegates also engage in similar practices. Therefore, farming activities and finding God within them should continue to be pursued.       Contributor: F. Antonius Dieng Karnedi, S.J.

TUJUHBELASAN TOGETHER: On August 19, 2025, Kampung Kongsi in Cisarua was busier than usual as residents and refugees gathered to celebrate Independence Day. A simple field in the community was filled with people, with the red and white flag standing proudly to mark the start of the event. Children ran around laughing while adults prepared for games and greeted each other, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere for a special celebration.   The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) partnered with the Hope Learning Center (HLC) to hold the event, named “Tujuhbelasan Together.” HLC has long been a safe place for refugee children in Cisarua, providing them with an opportunity to learn, play, and grow despite the challenges they face in a foreign country. For those who had to leave their homes, HLC became a space of hope where they could still experience education and look toward the future with positivity.   The day featured various traditional games, beginning with a lively crackers-eating competition where children enthusiastically tried to bite the crackers swaying in the wind. Laughter erupted during the sack race, where participants hopped in burlap sacks, falling and getting back up while giggling. The tug-of-war was particularly thrilling, pitting local teams against refugee teams, with spectators cheering loudly. Other fun activities included a quiz competition, plastic cup blowing, and games that brought everyone together in joy.     Amira, a participant from HLC, expressed her happiness about the event, saying how much fun she had and appreciating the opportunity to connect with the local community. Her words highlighted how such a simple celebration could foster friendships between locals and refugees.   As the day progressed, speeches were given. Novita Mulyasari, the local community leader, proudly acknowledged the joy of seeing both residents and refugees come together to celebrate. Shaima from HLC thanked JRS and the community for creating a space of fellowship for refugees and their children. Zainuddin from JRS emphasized the importance of this collaboration in building cross-cultural solidarity, in line with JRS’s mission to support marginalized individuals.   Following the speeches, the celebration featured a variety of performances. The local choir sang a religious song, while refugee children performed a traditional Afghan song. A surprise came when Harun Hussein, a refugee, confidently imitated Michael Jackson’s dance moves, delighting the audience and encouraging everyone to join in the fun.   Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games, with warm applause for each recipient. Novita awarded prizes for the sack and krupuk-eating races, while HLC representatives honored winners of tug-of-war and other contests. An emotional highlight occurred when Mr. Topik Hidayat received a beautiful painting symbolizing unity from the children of HLC. Zainuddin also received a unique painting combining the JRS and HLC logos, symbolizing shared hopes and collaboration between the communities.   As the event drew to a close, everyone joined together to sing and dance. The joyful song “Gemu Fa Mi Re” invited locals and refugees to hold hands and move together, creating a moment of unity that transcended borders, languages, and identities. A health worker from Kampung Kongsi shared joy in meeting refugees and expressed hope that such events could happen again, emphasizing how such interactions can deepen understanding and appreciation among people.   The day celebrated freedom not just through a flag but through open hearts. Local residents and refugees demonstrated that unity is not just a beautiful idea but a living reality in their shared joy and laughter. “Tujuhbelasan Together” illustrated that Indonesia’s independence holds deep meaning for everyone, including refugees who find hope in this land. This celebration showcased that freedom is universal, a shared experience of joy and respect that transcends borders, cultures, and languages, reinforcing a true understanding of independence—living in peace, valuing one another, and sharing happiness without limits.     Contributor: Sch. Alfonsus Ignatius Franky Njoto, S.J.

JESUIT VALUES OF JORGE MARIO BERGOGLIO (part 1): Pope Francis, a member of the Society of Jesus, died on April 21, 2025. Father General Arturo Sosa, S.J., wrote to all members of the Society a letter on the Death of Pope Francis to express gratitude and understanding for Pope Francis’s life and service to the Church. In the letter, Father Sosa stated that the Pope’s passing is a time of mourning, but also a time to give thanks to God for all the goodness bestowed through the Pope’s leadership, which spanned over 12 years.   Pope Francis is admired for his great concern for global issues and his ability to offer hope through his two encyclicals, Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti, which provide a profound analysis of humanity and ways to address injustice. He also emphasizes the importance of walking together and the centrality of prayer in the Church’s ministry, making the Church synodal and grounded in discernment.   The author’s experience of making a pilgrimage to pay his last respects to the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica and praying at the Pope’s tomb shows how deeply Pope Francis has influenced many people. The author also invites the brothers to reflect on the contents of Father Sosa’s letter as spiritual reading, remembering how real and moving the Jesuit spirit is in the figure of Pope Francis.   Father Sosa also recalled the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society established in 2019. He emphasized that the first preference, which is to show the way to God through Spiritual Exercises and discernment, is significant because it is the basis for all other preferences. This preference also describes the relationship between members of the Society and God in personal and communal prayer. With deep gratitude, the author reflects on all these things as part of Pope Francis’ legacy to the Church and the world.   Gratia Status Pater Federico Lombardi reflects on Pope Francis, noting that he embodies the Ignatian spirit through his commitment to a Church that seeks God’s will and spreads the Gospel universally. Lombardi highlights the importance of “gratia status,” which signifies the grace God provides for Francis’s mission and life situation. He mentions that Pope Francis often spends quiet time in prayer at the Santa Marta chapel and maintains a routine of going to bed early to wake refreshed for morning prayers.   Lombardi points out how the apostolic letter “Gaudete et Exultate,” which calls everyone to holiness, and the encyclical “Dilexit nos,” revealing Francis’s devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, reflect the fruits of his prayers and relationship with God. In his pastoral approach, Lombardi emphasizes Pope Francis’s ability to connect closely with people, fostering a simple, direct, and sincere dialogue with all, demonstrating a unique gift in his personal interactions.     Contributor: P. L. A. Sardi, S.J. 

Final Vows: On Friday, August 15, 2025, during the celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus celebrated the final vows of seven priests; they were Frs. Thomas Septi Widhiyudana, S.J., Christoforus Bayu Risanto, S.J., Peter Benedicto Devantara, S.J., Bernadus Dirgaprimawan, S.J., Agustinus Winaryanta, S.J., Alexander Koko Siswijayanto, S.J., and Christoforus Christiono Puspo, S.J. The Mass was presided over by Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S.J., at the chapel of Kanisius College, Jakarta, attended by family members, parishioners, and Jesuit members from various communities. The Mass could also be watched via live streaming on the Jesuit Indonesia YouTube channel. In his homily, Father Benny invited the faithful to reflect on the moment of Church reform by Pope Gregory VII, who sought to free the Church from worldly power. Emphasizing the effort to preserve the purity of the Church as the Body of Christ, he linked the meaning of Final Vows with full incorporation and acceptance into the Society of Jesus, which unites one spiritually, structurally, and in mission.   Father Benny invited the votaries to live out holiness in their current time and context, emphasizing concrete actions in thought, word, and deed, in line with the spirit of the Spiritual Exercises and the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. He also reminded them that their presence in the Society is both a gift and a responsibility, with the hope of bringing new perspectives and raising reflective questions about the impact of their presence within the Society.   At the end of the Eucharist, Father Koko Siswijayanto, representing his seven colleagues, expressed gratitude for the journey they had travelled, feeling God’s grace in their imperfections. He stated that final vows were not the end, but a new beginning for God’s mission. He asked for prayers so that they could live out their vocation as Jesuits with humility and fidelity.     Contributor: Sch. Ignatius Dio Ernanda Johandika, S.J.

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:02 PM, Father Markus Yumartana, S. J., passed away at St. Elisabeth Hospital in Semarang at the age of 60. He was a Jesuit who contributed significantly to youth formation and parish work. Born on April 27, 1965, in Kokap, Kulon Progo, he was the son of the late Mr. Yohanes Giran and the late Mrs. Margaretha Kemijah. He was baptized at the Church of Santa Maria Bunda Penasihat Baik, in Wates, Kulon Progo, and grew up in Sentolo. He did his primary and junior secondary schools in Sentolo (1972-1981) and senior secondary school at St. Peter Canisius Minor Seminary in Magelang (1981-1985).     Father Yumartana joined the Novitiate of St. Stanislaus, Girisonta, on July 7, 1985, where he made his first vows on July 8, 1987. He then studied philosophy at Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta for four years (1987-1991). Afterward, he served as a sub-moderator at the Minor Seminary of Mertoyudan during his one-year regency (1991-1992). He was then sent to the Gregorian University in Rome to study theology and obtained his undergraduate degree in theology (1992-1997). During his theological studies, he received diaconal ordination on April 18, 1995, at the hands of Cardinal Achile Silvestrini, and three months later, he was ordained into the priesthood on July 28, 1995, by Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja at the Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Kotabaru, Yogyakarta.     Following his ordination and theological studies, Father Yumartana taught at Wedabhakti Pontifical Faculty of Theology of Sanata Dharma University and worked as a librarian at St. Ignatius College in Yogyakarta (1997-1999). He made his tertianship at St. Stanislaus College (January 15 to July 15, 1999) under the direction of Father Josephus Darminta, S. J. After completing the tertianship, he studied religious education at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines (1999-2005). On July 20, 2009, Father Yumartana pronounced his final vows as a professed Jesuit at the chapel of Sanata Dharma University, accepted by Father General Adolfo Nicolas, S.J.     Known for being friendly, open, and close to many people, especially the youth, Father Yumartana reflected on his 30th anniversary of his priestly ordination in late July. He expressed feelings of unworthiness about his role as a priest and emphasized that the priesthood is not for personal gain but for the good of all and as a means to channel God’s blessings.     His assignments after ordination included various teaching and leadership roles, such as a moderator for student ministries and serving as a priest in several locations, including Jakarta and Girisonta. In recent times, his health deteriorated, and he was hospitalized on August 5, 2025. After three days in the hospital and receiving the anointing sacrament for the sick, he passed away.     Father Yumartana’s body will be laid to rest at the Domus Patrum of Kolese Stanislaus, Girisonta, and a Requiem Mass on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by burial at the Cemetery of Taman Maria Ratu Damai. All members of the Province are invited to celebrate a special Mass for his eternal peace.