The Arrupe Month is a crucial stage in Jesuit scholastic formation, focusing on theological formation. Six theologians and a brother from St. Ignatius College Yogyakarta participated in the Arrupe Month held from January 2-31, 2025, at Christ the King Retreat House, Girisonta, with Father Paul Suparno, S.J. as the Spiritual Prefect of Kolsani.

Arrupe Month is a program that offers a chance to deepen the priesthood vocation in the Society of Jesus through discussions, spiritual sharing, and an eight-day retreat. The program focuses on four key reflections: the inspiration and spirit of the Jesuit priesthood, the purpose of the priesthood and monastic life, the partners in mission of the priest, and dialogues.

Exploring the Inspiration and Spirit of the Jesuit Priesthood

The inquiry “where does the inspiration and spiritual foundation of the Jesuit priesthood come from” prompts a examination of the spiritual foundations of the Society of Jesus.

Father C. Kuntoro Adi, S.J., Rector of Ignatius College, highlighted the unique priestly vocation in the Society of Jesus, which is not primarily a cultic priesthood but a ministerial priesthood. Fr. Leo Agung Sardi shared the story of the Jesuits who entered the Kingdom of Siam as royal astronomers in the 17th century. The Jesuit priesthood is rooted in Ignatian spirituality, prioritizing the encounter with God in everything. A personal relationship with God is essential for the Jesuit ministry to be a mission.

The relationship between priests and Jesuit brothers in the Society of Jesus is emphasized by Father Sardi, who highlights the Jesuit brothers’ roles in priestly ministries. Brother Marsono, S.J., the Director of PIKA College (a vocational school in woodworking technology), further emphasizes these roles.

The Jesuit priestly vocation views the missions of superiors as divine. During a visit to the Provincial House, participants were invited to reflect on the Province’s journey towards her Apostolic Plan, provided insights into the Society’s governance by Socius Father Melkyor Pando, and financial management by the Treasurer Father Sigit Prasadja. This session was facilitated by Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S.J.

Answering the Call Where It’s Needed Most

Under the light of the Universal Apostolic Preferences, the Arrupe Month encourages us to consider the purpose of priesthood and religious life, emphasizing the importance of Jesuits serving on the frontiers where the need is greatest.

During a visit to St. Antonius Parish, Muntilan, we heard from Jesuits who have served as missionaries, such as Father Mardi Santosa, S.J., who served in Papua and Kalimantan, and Father Sarjumunarsa, S.J., who formatted seminarians in Kalimantan. Both figures were eager to carry out the Society’s mission.

Father Suyadi, S.J., works at at LDD (societal service of the Archdiocese of Jakarta), where he and his colleagues serve the poor and marginalized despite the glitz of the city, highlighting the importance of addressing the voices of the marginalized and oppressed.

The church’s vulnerable members, including Sr. Luciana, RGS, who assists victims of sexual violence, and Father James Martin, S.J., an American Jesuit and author, share their experiences in promoting synodality and addressing the LGBT group, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues within the church.

The border situation necessitates awareness of vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of psychological health and maturity for priests and priest candidates. Psychology lecturer Mrs. Agnes Indar Etikawati facilitated self-reflection and development to become psychologically healthy individuals and prospective priests.

Collaborator in Priestly Ministries

Priests are not solitary workers but rather part of the church, and reflection on their fellow ministers is crucial during Arrupe Month. Bishop Adrianus Sunarko, O.F.M., who participated in the Synod on the Synodal Church, shared his experience and ideas, emphasizing the importance of building cooperation with fellow priests and religious from other dioceses and orders in church life. This experience highlights the need for a more inclusive and collaborative approach in church life.

When visiting St. Joseph Parish in Gedangan, Semarang, the participants observed synodality and the dynamics of Jesuit parish work, including cooperation between Jesuits and the parish council. Father Cahyo and his colleagues are actively seeking creative ways to revive the 150-year-old parish.

Father Ed Quinnan, S.J., the superior of the mission in Micronesia, shared the importance of faithful obedience and spiritual conversation in building community life. He emphasized the need for Jesuits to work together to carry out God’s mission, emphasizing the significance of these elements.

Mrs. Karlina Supelli shared her experiences as a mother of a Jesuit priest and a layperson working alongside religious. Her sharing was deeply touching, as she expressed the unspeakable feelings of her families. The complex challenges of the apostolate reminded us to foster cooperation with our lay colleagues, as both family and colleagues are fellow pilgrims in living the priesthood.

Priesthood as a Bridge between the Church and the World

In a complex world, a Jesuit priest serves Catholics and fosters dialogue between the Church and the world. Reflective questions during Arrupe Month focus on which dialogue spaces they can engage in.

During a conversation with Mr. Abdul Qadir, the caretaker of Roudlotus Sholihin Islamic Boarding School in Demak, we learned about the formation of students into Islamic leadership figures. We also visited the school and were warmly welcomed, highlighting the power of true brotherhood in uniting and breaking down barriers of difference.

Father Winandoko, S.J., Rector of Kanisius College Jakarta, shared his experience managing a Jesuit college. He emphasized the importance of maintaining spiritual roots in educational work, as it leads to success. Educational services also serve as a platform for dialogue with young people, shaping the Church and the world’s image.

Father Setyodarmono, a Jesuit involved in lay formation, discussed the importance of dialogue with young people, emphasizing their future collaboration. He highlighted the challenges faced by young people, such as finding a job and mental health issues, which require urgent attention.

Intellectual apostolate aims to foster dialogue uniquely, as discussed by Frs. Bagus Laksana and Bayu Risanto. They emphasize the importance of perseverance in the scholarly field as a spiritual practice, citing the history of Jesuit predecessors who engaged in intellectual work, particularly in Indonesia, facilitating global meetings.

Prof. Richardus Eko Indrajit, an information technology expert, highlighted the importance of effective communication skills in the digital era to convey spiritual and intellectual wealth, emphasizing the need for effective means of dialogue in this era.

Summing-up

The Arrupe Month has been a spiritual journey that has deepened our understanding and experience of the priesthood in the Society. Through spiritual inspiration, service needs understanding, building a collaborative network in missions, and fostering dialogue, we have strengthened our priestly vocation.

Contributor: S. Arnold Lintang Yanviero, S.J.