The Road to the Canisius Centennial

The year 2027 will be a special year for Canisius College, Jakarta, as the school, founded by Father Kuris, S.J., in 1927, will celebrate its centennial. During its 100-year existence, Canisius College has built its identity, character, culture, community, network, and reputation.

This 100-year journey not only underscores the institution’s sustainability but also demonstrates its commitment to the values of Jesuit education, educating young people to become well-rounded individuals who contribute to the nation and the world.

A Century of Existence
Father Benedictus Hari Juliawan, S. J., the Provincial of the Indonesian Jesuits, highlighted that the centenary of Canisius College reflects a strong tradition rooted in Jesuit educational values dating back to the 16th century. He pointed out that the school opened its doors when education was scarce and the concept of Indonesian identity was still developing, and that it benefited from long-standing educational practices.

Father Leonardus E. Bambang Winandoko, S.J., the Superior of Canisius College, reflected on the school’s century-long role in shaping young people’s faith, character, and excellence. This legacy results from the commitment of Jesuit Fathers, teachers, staff, parents, students, and alumni who embody Jesuit educational values. He emphasized Canisius College’s collaborative spirit among all stakeholders invested in the future of young people, maintaining a vibrant community that fuses tradition with innovation to offer liberatin and humanizing education. He reiterated the importance of humility, gentleness, and love in education, as taught by Saint Peter Canisius, to promote dialogue and unity for a greater good.

Father Alexander Koko Siswijayanto, S.J., the Director of Campus Ministry, also reflected on the college’s history, likening it to the Gospel story of the wise man building on rock. He noted that the Jesuits established a solid foundation by following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, enabling Canisius College to thrive and reach its 100th anniversary.

Challenges
Father Beni emphasizes that Canisius College cannot solely depend on its strong tradition for future success. The college must respond quickly to the changing world and reassess its approach. Its strengths in Christian faith-based education, character building, and academic excellence should be translated into relevant methods and curricula.

Mr. Gunawan Wibowo, M. Ed., the Director of Canisius College, identifies current challenges stemming from the disruption caused by rapid technological growth. This disruption impacts schools today and is expected to increase in the future. It affects young people’s personal growth and authentic identities.

Technological advances like smartphones, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and social media are influential. Students’ identities seem to be affected by these secular elements, with personal worth measured by smartphone sophistication, AI capabilities, and social media followers. These factors overshadow personal connections with one’s faith and the Creator. In this context, schools must redefine their roles, focusing on the integral formation of students.

Renewals
Father Provincial reminded that education at Canisius College must be continually updated, emphasizing that it is a shared effort among everyone involved.

The college’s 100th anniversary should serve as a chance to shape the future of education for younger generations. Father Winandoko highlighted that as Canisius College enters its second century, the focus should be on nurturing young individuals who are competent, conscientious, and committed to contributing positively to society and the Church. Mr. Gunawan stressed that renewal should aim at creating authentic learning experiences that support Canisians in their personal growth. In the face of disruptions that affect students’ development, God’s love will encourage Canisians to grow both personally and spiritually, fostering excellence in themselves and their community. This purpose aligns with the theme of Compassion Year 2026, which calls on Canisians to support those in need.

Theme
The Canisius College Centennial celebration is themed “Canisius College Centennials: Towards a Global Mission.” This theme encourages the entire Canisius College family, especially Canisian students, to become more deeply rooted in Ignatian values and traditions, to grow in true solidarity, to network with the global community, and to have a greater impact on others. Like a ship, Canisian students must be brave enough to take risks and participate in God’s own mission, as He said: “Put out into deeper waters” (Luke 5:4).

Program of Activities
The Canisius College Centennial celebration is not merely a commemoration, but a collaborative celebration grounded in concrete actions involving all school stakeholders: students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and alumni.

Broadly speaking, the activities are divided into three phases with the following scope. The 2025 Committee has six main activities: the opening Mass for the 100th-anniversary celebration of Canisius College, retracing the Jesuit sites in Indonesia, retracing Ignatius’s work in Europe, writing a book exploring the history of Canisius College, a global alumni gathering, and a Jesuit education forum. The 2026 Committee will organize four activities, i.e., a charity concert called Children of Hope, a global collaboration for the Ignatian Leadership Summit, an alumni business and leadership forum, and a cultural parade involving 100 junior and senior high schools in Jakarta. The 2027 Committee will handle three activities: a symposium on 21st-century Jesuit education, a musical drama, and a peak event: a gala dinner.

Canisius College invites the entire extended family—teachers, staff, students, parents, and alumni—to celebrate its 100th anniversary. This anniversary reflects the values upheld by the community: man for and with others.
Canisius College, in celebrating 100 years of its role in the world of education, calls on all members of the extended Canisius College family to take concrete action and register themselves through the 100-year website – https://kanisius100tahun.id/ – a subdomain for 100 actions, accessible starting January 6, 2026.

AMDG