Vietnamese Francis Xavier Tran Van Cuong SJ (third from left) and Indonesian Gregorius Agung Satriyo Wibisono SJ (fifth from left) were among 14 Jesuits ordained deacons in Rome
On Tuesday, 7 April, Scholastics Gregorius Agung Satriyo Wibisono, known as Wibi, from Indonesia, and Francis Xavier Tran Van Cuong from Vietnam, along with 12 other Jesuit scholastics from 10 other provinces, were ordained as deacons by Cardinal Peter Turkson during a Eucharistic celebration at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The solemn Mass reflected Rome’s international character, with a congregation from diverse backgrounds. This diversity shone through in the singing of “Take and Receive” by Onggo Lukito, a prominent Indonesian Catholic composer, arranger, and organist, as well as an African expression of joy during the ceremony, which reminded the congregation of the deacons’ total surrender to their calling and ordination as an ecclesial act sending them into a united Catholic Church.
Friends and colleagues of the scholastics participated in the celebration, including Mr Trias Kuncahyono, the Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See. His presence added a personal touch and showcased the Indonesian community’s support in Rome.
In his homily, Cardinal Turkson emphasised that the diaconal ministry should focus on Christ. He reminded the deacons to centre their lives and service around Christ, expressed through prayer, gratitude, kindness, and mutual support. His gestures, such as helping the deacons rise after the laying on of hands, symbolised that a servant’s role is to uplift others.
After Mass, Deacon Wibi expressed gratitude on behalf of the newly ordained, stating that this ordination marks the start of a more tangible ministry. He thanked God, the Church, mentors, and the community for their support, highlighting the importance of accompanying one another on our vocational journeys.
Deacon Wibi with Cardinal Turkson
As a community member, I experienced a deeper connection during the ordination ceremony. The people I interact with daily gathered to witness the grace of ordination, which reinforced my belief that it is ultimately a gift from God, cultivated through everyday faithfulness. The presence of the new deacons’ families, specifically Deacon Wibi’s, added emotional significance, highlighting the importance of family support in nurturing vocations through relationships and prayer.
The ordination resulted from extensive preparations that began in November 2025, including a course on confession and an exam in December. The ordinands practised Mass with Fr Anthony R Lusvardi SJ and undertook an eight-day retreat led by Fr Paul Rolphy Pinto SJ and the Spiritual Prefects from Collegio Internazionale del Gesù: Fr Leo Agung Sardi SJ and Fr Mario Alberto SJ. Before the ordination Mass, the community held a prayer vigil for the 14 diaconal candidates, asking God for purity, fidelity, and readiness to serve.
Following the ordination, a dinner was held at the Collegio Internazionale del Gesù, attended by the deacons’ families, friends, and other guests, including Jesuits and nuns from various backgrounds. The dinner featured international dishes that reflected the diverse community, such as chicken fried rice and prawn sambal prepared by Fr Sardi and his team. A standout was lemper (sticky rice roll with savoury filling), an Indonesian dish that brought joy to those missing their home cuisine.
From Rome, an invitation goes out to all Jesuit colleagues to join Deacons Wibi, Cuong and the new deacons in prayer.
