On 5 May, the Indonesian Province of the Society of Jesus was tremendously blessed with three new deacons: Yohanes Harry Kristanto, Yohanes Deodatus, and Fransiskus Asisi Wylly Suhendra, who were ordained at the hands of the Archbishop of Semarang, Most Rev Robertus Rubiyatmoko, at St Anthony of Padua Church in Yogyakarta. Along with them was also ordained a diocesan seminarian, Stevanus Mahuze, from the Archdiocese of Merauke in Papua—the most eastern part of Indonesia.
The four newly ordained deacons are currently doing their theology studies at Wedabhakti Pontifical Faculty of Theology (FTW), Sanata Dharma University. In the last few years, the Indonesian Jesuit Province has been sponsoring the priestly formation of seminarians from the Archdiocese of Merauke, particularly in their theology studies at FTW. Four years ago, Stevanus Mahuze was sent by his Archbishop to FTW to pursue a master’s degree in Sacred Theology and to live in St Ignatius House of Studies, the Jesuit theologate in Yogyakarta. Stevanus plans on returning to his home island in July for pastoral ministries in Merauke before his priestly ordination.
In keeping with public health procedures in this time of pandemic, the number of people in the church was strictly limited and by invitation only. However, the ceremony was livestreamed on YouTube.
The newly ordained deacons chose, “Make Us Servants of Your Peace”, as the motto of their ordination. It is reflective of their personal experience of peace from being loved, forgiven, and reconciled with themselves, with their neighbors, with creation, and with God Himself. Therefore, they said, they are willing to bring peace to everyone.
In his homily, Archbishop Rubiyatmoko appreciated their eagerness to be servants of peace in a world filled with war, violence, and distress. He kindly reminded them to always share the peace of God, which they have received in life, with everyone they serve in their respective missions—just like Jesus, who said to his disciples: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you (John 20:21).”
The new deacons are expected to complete their theology studies in the next few months. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin their ministry as deacons in preparation for their priesthood ordination. [Scholastic Siwi Dharma Jati SJ]