Strengthening Fraternal Bonds: Indonesian Diocesan Priests Gather for Ongoing Formation Program
Fifty-six diocesan priests from various regions of Indonesia recently came together to participate in a national ongoing formation program organized by the Indonesian Diocesan Priest Association (UNINDO) in Yogyakarta, Central Java.
By Mathias Hariyadi, LiCAS News
The program, themed “Fostering Brotherly-Priestly Relationships among Diocesan Priests: Be a Better Priest by Knowing Self and Others,” aimed to cultivate stronger bonds among priests and provide spiritual rejuvenation to those who have been ordained for one to ten years.
UNINDO President Father Maxi Un Bria Pr, a diocesan priest from the Archdiocese of Kupang in East Nusa Tenggara, emphasized the significance of such programs in promoting unity and joy within the Church.
Facilitated by Fr. Paulus Erwin Sasmito, a psychology lecturer from Sanata Dharma University, along with two lay coaching mentors, Markus Mardius and Bebet Darmawan, the event was well-received by attendees like Father Silvester Domogo and Father Yusri Basri, who highlighted the value of such sessions, especially for priests in the early stages of their ministry.
The organizing committee, led by Fr. Jeff Woi Bule and Fr. Eman Ano, reported that priests from 30 dioceses were represented at the gathering. Although some remote areas faced logistical challenges in sending representatives, the overall impact of the program was praised by participants.
Looking ahead, Father Maxi Un Bria announced that a similar formation program would be held locally in the Archdiocese of Kupang in October 2024.
UNINDO: A Brief History
Established in 1955 in the Archdiocese of Semarang, UNINDO has evolved into a prominent national organization for diocesan priests in Indonesia. Its growth was marked by national conferences in the late 20th century, where the association’s role within the Indonesian Church was solidified.
Notable figures like Emeritus Ketapang Bishop Blasius Pujaraharja and Father Valentinus Kartasiswojo played crucial roles in promoting UNINDO’s presence and advocating for its recognition by the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI).
New Book on UNINDO’s History
In an upcoming release from KWI’s Obor Publisher, a new book titled UNIO INDONESIA, Rumah Bersama Imam Diosesan (UNIO Indonesia, the Common House for All Diocesan Priests) will delve into the rich history of UNINDO, featuring contributions from diocesan priests and LiCAS News.
This article was originally published on LiCAS News. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.
