Silver Jubilee of two first Indonesian Salesians
Jakarta, Indonesia, 21 April 2022 -- On 18 April 2022, Salesian Family members of Indonesia Vice-Province (INA) celebrated the Silver Jubilee of Priesthood of first two Indonesian Salesians in the Sacred Heart Postnovitiate Community in Sunter, North Jakarta. Fr. Andre Delimarta SDB and Fr. Yohanes Boedi Rahardjo, SDB. The original date of 15 April falls on Good Friday this year. The Thanksgiving Mass was joined with the birthday celebrations for r. Andang Kencana Aji, novice master.
Fr. Andre delivered a reflection about “remembering” those who were part of their vocation journey. Some of them could not come to this celebration because they have passed away, mainly during the pandemic period. Father Jose Carbonell Llopis (RIP 2021) and Deacon Baltazar Pires (RIP 2022) are two figures who they remember the most and their loss means some of their heart has been taken too.
Fr. Boedi gave another perspective before the final blessing. He said on many occasions that Fr. Andre was stepping in his shoes. Fr. Andre became Delegate and now became Parish Priest in St John Bosco Parish in Sunter after Fr. Boedi. Maybe in the future Fr. Andre could follow as next the Province Administrator!
At the conclusion of the Eucharist, Fr. Andrew Wong, Provincial Superior, gave a beautiful speech, describing both of them as the first Salesians from Indonesia. He quoted Fr. Carbonell who said that they were like Timothy and Titus, as it could also be said that Fr. Carbonell himself wanted to be like St. Paul in that context. Meanwhile, he also emphasized the importance of their exemplary fulfilment of obedience given by the Congregation. This celebration brings hope to all Salesian Family member in Indonesia.
