October has its own warmth in Weetebula. This week, the atmosphere felt different — filled with excitement and grace. The confreres, priests, families, and friends gathered with bright smiles, ready to celebrate a special moment: the Priestly Ordination of the Redemptorists, held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Weetebula Cathedral.
But before that blessed day arrived, the joyful preparations had already begun on Tuesday, October 21. At 2:30 p.m., the Provincial House was alive with laughter and the sound of Sumbanese drums. Everyone came together for Kako Male, a traditional Sumbanese welcoming ceremony full of gratitude and cultural pride — a fitting way to honor those soon to be ordained.
By 5:00 p.m., the joyful energy turned into reverent silence as everyone gathered at the Cathedral for Vespers and the Blessing of Liturgical Items. Prayers rose like incense, filling the evening air with peace and devotion.
Later that night, at 6:40 p.m., the Provincial House came alive once more for a fraternal dinner. Guests from Australia, Japan, Manila, Singapore, and various Redemptorist communities across Indonesia shared a warm evening together. There were smiles, laughter, and conversations in many languages — a beautiful portrait of the Church’s universal fraternity.
The Peak of Joy: Ordination Day
The next day, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, Weetebula was filled with festive spirit. The streets leading to the Cathedral were lined with people, music, and traditional dances. Ten deacons walked in joyful procession toward the altar, their faces calm yet radiant, ready to offer their lives in service as priests of Christ.
At 4:30 p.m., the bells rang, marking the beginning of the Ordination Mass, presided over by Mgr. Edmund Woga, CSsR. In the entrance procession, only the Bishop, the deacons with their parents, the assisting priests, and those designated by the committee took part, while other priests had already taken their seats inside the Cathedral.
The laying on of hands was a deeply moving moment. One by one, all the priests came forward to lay their hands on the candidates — a powerful sign of brotherhood and spiritual support. Then, the kiss of peace from the Bishop and the assisting priests sealed their acceptance into the fraternity of Christ’s priesthood.
Those Ordained
At the end of the Mass, Fr. Jack Umbu Warata, CSsR, Provincial of Indonesia, announced the new priests’ mission assignments. These are the newly ordained Redemptorists who are ready to be sent out into the world:
Aquila Maris, CSsR – Vice-Province of Japan
Fransiskus Beda Asimu, CSsR – Katikuloku
Dominikus Maxi Bulu, CSsR – Terusan Parish, Diocese of Ketapang
Fransiskus Tibu Kelen, CSsR – Ireland
Fulgensius Avelinus Ora, CSsR – Singapore
Heribertus Geroda Hayon, CSsR – Homba Karipit Parish
Yohanes Lambertus Haeng, CSsR – Karuni Parish
Kristoforus Akri Adeodatus, CSsR – Vice-Province of Japan
Surilus Yosep Rebang Muda, CSsR – Deputy Director of KPA
Together with them, Deacon Ferdinandus Gato Ma, Pr, a diocesan priest of the Diocese of Weetebula, was also ordained. They now stand as new shepherds of the Church, ready to serve God’s people wherever they are sent.
A Joyful Ending of Thanksgiving
As dusk settled, the celebration continued in the Cathedral courtyard with the traditional “Gaudeamus” — an evening of joyful dancing, sharing, and thanksgiving. The newly ordained priests joined their families, friends, and parishioners in a lively expression of gratitude.
That night, Weetebula was not just the site of a liturgical event — it became the cradle of new missionary hope. Nine Redemptorist priests were sent forth to carry the fire of Christ’s love to every corner of the world. And as the songs and laughter filled the night air, one message remained in every heart:
“Be missionaries of hope. Copiosa apud eum redemptio — With Him, there is plentiful redemption.”
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
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