The last week of the month was marked by strong winds and frequent rain. Yet from January 23–28, the weather never ruled the heart. The Brothers, Redemptorist students, moved forward with steady enthusiasm, faithfully taking part in their annual retreat with focus and dedication.
This year’s retreat was accompanied by Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR, and carried a simple yet powerful theme: “Let Us Cross to the Other Side” (Mark 4:35). In an atmosphere of silence and reflection, the confreres were invited to deepen their understanding of their vocation while prayerfully reflecting together on Communicanda 2, 2025.
A total of 63 Brothers, from Level I to Level V, joined the retreat at Wisma KSED, Bandungan, Ambarawa, Central Java. The retreat concluded on the evening of January 27, and on the morning of January 28 all participants returned to Wisma Sang Penebus, Yogyakarta, with renewed hearts.
At the same time, the Level V Brothers took part in a special retreat in preparation for perpetual vows at the Trappist Monastery (OCSO) in Rawaseneng. For 25 days they were faithfully accompanied by Fr. Bence, CSsR, Fr. Mateus Selan, CSsR, and Fr. Agus Malo Bulu, CSsR. The fruit of this long journey became visible when six Brothers professed their perpetual vows on January 30, 2026, at St. Alphonsus Church, Nandan, Yogyakarta.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Jack Umbu Warata, CSsR, Provincial of the Redemptorists of Indonesia, with a deeply affirming theme: “God Works All Things Together for Good” (Romans 8:28). The six Fraters who made their perpetual profession were:
- Bro. Antonius Bala Tolok, CSsR
- Bro. Fransiskus Raymundus Leway, CSsR
- Bro. Fransiskus Xaverius Renda, CSsR
- Bro. Heribertus Lada, CSsR
- Bro. Heribertus Kurnia Taman, CSsR
- Bro. Yakobus Sahang, CSsR
The celebration was attended by confreres, parents, friends, acquaintances, and invited guests. A spirit of gratitude and deep emotion filled the celebration, marking a courageous and free response of faith.
May this moment continually remind us that following Jesus Christ as missionaries of hope calls for fidelity—not a rigid fidelity bound only to the past, but a creative fidelity. A fidelity that dares to respond to the signs of the times, so that we remain relevant and present with Christ in a world that is constantly changing.
Congratulations to our confreres. Move forward in faithfulness.
Copiosa Apud Eum Redemptio.
Fr. Willy Nyong’o Pala, CSsR.
