Indonesia: Pilgrims of Hope – Redemptorist Tabor Community Retreat and Meeting

0
103

Finally, we arrived at Tabor- Tanah Borneo Komunitas or Land of Borneo is the name for the Redemptorist community working in Borneo. Currently, we are serving in two dioceses: the Diocese of Palangkaraya and the Diocese of Ketapang. Here is Fr. Novri’s story.

“Finally, we arrived…” 

As soon as I caught sight of the Kudangan Pastoral House, I turned off the engine of my trusty Versa motorcycle. It was Monday, February 3, 2025, exactly at 9:00 AM, when I arrived at the Kudangan Pastoral House. Father Leon greeted me with a warm smile at the door. The sound of my motorcycle had made him think it was the Honda Megapro used by Father Sani that morning for his trip to CU Remaung Kecubung.

Inside, I met with Fr. Leon CSsR, Fr. Sani CSsR, and Fr. Mans Watun CSsR. My journey to Kudangan took an hour and a half from Nanga Tayap Parish, crossing the border between West Kalimantan Province (Ketapang Diocese) and Central Kalimantan Province (Palangkaraya Diocese). However, our journey was far from over.

After sharing lunch, we set out for Sukamara Parish in the pastoral car. This time, Fr. Leon CSsR took on the role of our driver, while Fr. Sani CSsR served as our navigator. The four-hour journey led us through dense forests and vast palm oil plantations that seemed to stretch endlessly.

A Long-Awaited Gathering in Sukamara

One of the most anticipated moments for the Redemptorist of the Tabor Community in Borneo was the opportunity to gather for a community meeting and retreat. It was a time to reconnect, share experiences, and strengthen each other in our mission.

Upon arriving at the Sukamara Pastoral House, we were warmly welcomed by fellow confreres who had arrived earlier: Fr. Fansi CSsR and Brother Uzon CSsR from Terusan Parish, as well as Fr. Marcel CSsR, Fr. Antony CSsR, and Brother Kurnia CSsR from Riam Kota Parish. However, the local parish priests, Fr. Kanisius CSsR and Fr. Marcello CSsR, were away on a pastoral visit to the remote stations. While waiting for their return, we spent time playing chess at the pastoral house—simple moments like these always brought laughter and strengthened our bond.

Later in the afternoon, Fr. Kanisius CSsR returned with several parish lay leaders and sisters from the Order of St. Augustine (OSA) of Divine Mercy. We greeted them with joy. That evening, after a shared dinner, we went over the agenda for the next day’s meetings.

Pilgrims of Hope: A Strengthening Retreat

Our previous community retreat had been held at Terusan Parish on November 12–13, 2024, led by Fr. Novri CSsR, with the theme The Redemptorist Community Life and Its Ministry. These quarterly retreats were cherished moments, offering renewal in both communal life and mission.

This time, our retreat for the Redemptorist Tabor Community carried the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” led by Fr. Fansi CSsR. The retreat was filled with deep reflections on our vocation as Redemptorists. Every vocation story shared became a source of spiritual enrichment, reminding us that throughout our journey, hope remains our constant companion.

Looking Ahead: Planning for the Community’s Future

Following the retreat, we proceeded with our community meeting, chaired by our Superior, Fr. Sani CSsR. Several key topics were discussed:

Welcoming New Members: We joyfully welcomed Fr. Mans Watun CSsR as a new member of the Tabor Community.

Missionary Assignments: One of the major decisions was the reassignment of Fr. Marcello CSsR, who would be continuing his ministry in Sumba.

Upcoming Activities:

  • Planning future retreats, recollections, and parish missions in Riam Kota.
  • Strengthening the community’s self-sufficiency efforts.
  • Reviewing financial reports.
  • Scheduling the next community gathering in 2025.

To conclude these meaningful days, we celebrated the Eucharist with the local faithful, giving thanks for the gift of our vocation, our fraternal bond, and the mission that continues to unfold before us.

This journey once again reminded us that as Pilgrims of Hope, we continue to walk, serve, and uplift one another in the abiding love of God that guides our every step.

Keep the fire burning through our missionary zeal.

Fr. Willy Pala, CSsR.