Immersion Program for the Scholastic of Kolese Santo Ignatius (KOLSANI)
From January 3-31, 2026, three scholastics of first-year theology of Kolese Santo Ignatius (Kolsani), Yogyakarta, Schs. Alfred, Kefas, and Septian K. participated in the Immersion program at the Parish of Mary Mother of God in Botong, West Kalimantan, and the Parish of St. John the Baptist in Waghete, Central Papua. This program is part of a new effort to support the formation of Jesuit scholastics at Kolsani, Yogyakarta, before their ordination to the priesthood. The main goal of the immersion is for young scholastics to experience the priestly life of a Jesuit more deeply, with a focus on parish ministries outside Java.
This year, the Arrupe Month, an annual program for first-year theology students, has been postponed to next year. This change allowed students to engage in hands-on experiences before learning about the Jesuit priesthood in theory.
During their immersion, the scholastics faced various challenges at their locations. At the Parish of Botong, Schs. Alfred and Kefas encountered difficult travel conditions. The distance between their parish and the station chapel was not far, but the muddy, uneven roads significantly delayed their journey, sometimes doubling the time expected. One trip back from the station took nearly six hours due to slippery roads after rain, highlighting the physical demands on the priests and pastoral workers in the area. The road conditions also strained their finances, as vehicle repairs were costly.
In the Parish of Waghete, Sch. Septian K. faces other significant challenges, including a lack of formal education and frequent teacher absenteeism in both public and private schools. This leaves children without proper education and self-care skills. To address this, the parish has brought in volunteer teachers to instruct children in reading, writing, and arithmetic, and to provide nutritious food, such as boiled eggs and milk, at four parish stations: Yaba, Kigo, Yagu, and Meyepa. Additionally, the parish offers dormitories for junior high students from rural areas. However, security remains a concern for volunteer teachers.
Despite these difficulties, the parish priests in Botong and Waghete show great enthusiasm and commitment. In Botong, one priest travels extensively each month to visit his congregation, while in Waghete, another priest advocates for education alongside his religious duties.
After spending a month in these remote areas, we returned to our community in Yogyakarta with joy and consolation. Our experiences highlighted the unique qualities of Jesuit priests as they strive to serve their communities. We learned that their vocation is grounded in the spirit of the Spiritual Exercises, which invites us to listen and respond to the call of the Eternal King.
Contributor: Sch. Daud Kefas Raditya, S.J.
