Newly ordained priests (L-R) Fathers Leo Perkasa Tanjung SJ, Jakobus Aditya Christie Manggala SJ, Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho SJ, and Antonius Septian Marhenanto SJ with Fr Cyprianus Kuntoro Adi SJ, Rector of St Ignatius College community, Archbishop Robertus Rubiyatmoko, and Indonesian Provincial Fr Benny Juliawan SJ
Four deacons from the Indonesian Province were ordained priests by Most Reverend Robertus Rubiyatmoko, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Semarang, on 23 July at the Church of St Anthony of Padua, Kotabaru, Yogyakarta.
The four new priests are Antonius Septian Marhenanto SJ from St John Mary Vianney Parish, Cilangkap, Archdiocese of Jakarta; Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho SJ from St Mary of Lourdes Parish, Sumber, Archdiocese of Semarang; Jakobus Aditya Christie Manggala SJ from Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Babadan, Archdiocese of Semarang; and Leo Perkasa Tanjung SJ from the Holy Spirit Cathedral Parish, Denpasar, Diocese of Denpasar.
The ordination Mass, attended by the ordinands’ families and guests, was solemn and filled with gratitude. In his homily, Archbishop Rubiyatmoko called on the newly ordained to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord, manifested through deep commitment and determination in their ministry. He emphasised that the sacrament of the priesthood should be cherished as a celebration of gratitude for the grace that overcomes human weakness.
The ordination theme, “Becoming Companions on the Path of Hope,” was chosen to remind the priests that they are called to be companions of Jesus and his little ones—the marginalised, the wounded, and the hopeless. In today’s world, being a priest goes beyond teaching and leading sacraments. Priests are called to be companions who dare to be genuinely present, empathetic listeners, and courageous healers of emotional wounds, enabling others to rise with renewed hope and the courage to build a better future.
The new priests bestow their first blessings on Archbishop Rubiyatmoko and the entire congregation
Although being a companion of Jesus is not always easy, Archbishop Rubiyatmoko encouraged the newly ordained priests to never lose hope, reminding them that hope does not disappoint. “As long as we have great hope, there will be effort, and eventually results that we can offer to the people we serve,” he said. The Archbishop also assured them that they are not alone in their ministry, as God and their companions in the Society of Jesus will support and strengthen them.
Concluding his homily, Archbishop Rubiyatmoko expressed his hope that the new priests would become true companions of Jesus who bring hope to those they serve. Their ministry should be a manifestation of the love of Jesus—our true and faithful friend. When facing hardships, they are encouraged to emulate St Paul, who was able to find joy even amid suffering, recognising that suffering is part of communion with Christ.
Towards the end of the ordination, Indonesian Provincial Fr Benny Juliawan SJ announced the missions assigned to the new priests. Fr Antonius Septian Marhenanto SJ will serve as coordinator of the communication office in Indonesia; Fr Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo Adi Nugroho SJ will join the staff of Adhi Luhur High School, YPPK, in Nabire, Papua; Fr Jakobus Aditya Christie Manggala SJ will serve as director of Campus Ministry at Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta; and Fr Leo Perkasa Tanjung SJ will pursue biblical studies at the Biblicum in Rome.
At the conclusion of the ordination Mass, the new priests gave their first blessings to the entire congregation. This was followed by a fellowship gathering at St Ignatius College.
