The Indonesian Province joyfully welcomed four Jesuit scholastics who pronounced their First Vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience at St Stanislaus Kostka Chapel, Girisonta Novitiate in Ungaran, Central Java on 23 June.
The four new scholastics come from various parts of Indonesia. Albertus Aryo Anindito is from St Joseph Parish, Tegal, Central Java; Alexius Aji Pradana is from Christ the King Parish, South Sumatera; Leander Emanuel Arya Wikan Prabantara is from St Barnabas Parish, South Tangerang, Jakarta; and Mikael Tri Karitasanto is from St John Maria Vianney Parish, Kebumen. They are now missioned to do First Studies at Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta.
Indonesian Provincial Fr Benedictus Hari Juliawan SJ presided over the vow Mass with Novice Master Fr Agustinus Setyodarmono SJ and Fr Petrus Sunu Hardiyanta SJ. Following the Covid-19 protocol, the Eucharistic celebration was limited to the community members of the Novitiate and Tertianship. This was somewhat unusual since Vow Day Masses, especially First Vows, have always been occasions for all the Indonesian Jesuits to gather as one family. Nevertheless, through Zoom, Jesuits in other communities, and the parents, relatives, and friends of the newly vowed scholastics were still able to participate virtually. At the end of the Mass, the parents shared their joy, hope, and prayer for their sons. It was indeed a very touching moment.
In his homily, Fr Juliawan thanked God for granting the four promising Jesuits the grace of “self-knowledge” during their formation years in the novitiate. “Knowing oneself is a treasure that liberates each of us to follow and serve God more freely and fully as a Jesuit,” he said. However, he continued, “We have this treasure in an earthen vessel; therefore, we must continue to cultivate it faithfully.” Fr Juliawan also acknowledged Fr Setyodarmono, the Novice Master who accompanied and guided the men with patience and generosity. “Jesuit formation is always personal and integral. It is different from mass production in a factory or workshop,” he said.
The celebration’s theme was “Bersama Yesus” (Together with Jesus), which expresses the scholastics’ disposition as Jesuits who are ready to be sent to accompany Christ to serve the world. The theme comes from the summons of Christ, the Eternal King, and the message of St Ignatius Loyola that resounds in every Jesuit: “Whoever wishes to join me in this enterprise must be willing to labour with me, that by following me in suffering, they may follow me in glory (SpEx 95).
Speaking on behalf of the newly vowed Jesuits at the end of the Mass, Scholastic Alexius shared that the theme of being with Jesus expresses how fragile they are, unable to live by themselves, yet, God’s grace has always been offered abundantly as long as they seek and follow God’s call.
