The Cathedral of Weetebula was filled with joy and thanksgiving on Wednesday, 16 September, as four Redemptorist deacons were ordained to the priesthood in Weetebula. They belong to the Redemptorist Province of Indonesia.
The ordination Mass began at 5:00 p.m. and was presided over by Most Rev. Edmund Woga, CSsR. Confrères, parents, relatives, friends, and faithful from different places gathered to witness and celebrate this important moment in the life of the Church and the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer.
The four newly ordained Redemptorist priests are Fr. George CSsR, Fr. Krispinus Erwin Kellen CSsR, Fr. Bravo CSsR, and Fr. Pedro CSsR.
Their ordination is a great blessing not only for the Redemptorist Province of Indonesia but also for the wider Redemptorist family throughout the world. Through their priestly ministry, they are now called to participate more deeply in the mission of Christ the Redeemer, especially in bringing God’s abundant redemption to the poor and most abandoned.
The celebration was marked by a strong sense of gratitude. The presence of the newly ordained priests’ parents and families was a beautiful reminder that every vocation is nurtured within a community of faith. Their journey to the priesthood has been supported by family, confrères, formators, friends, and many people who have accompanied them through prayer and encouragement.
After the ordination ceremony, the newly ordained priests, their families, confrères, and guests gathered for a festive reception at the hall of the Holy Spirit Parish. The atmosphere was joyful and fraternal, with meals, conversations, greetings, and photographs shared together.
For the four new priests, however, the celebration is not the end of a journey. It marks the beginning of a new stage of missionary service.
As Redemptorists, they are ready to be sent wherever the Congregation entrusts them with a mission. Their ministry may take them to familiar places or to communities far from home. Wherever they are sent, they are called to proclaim the Gospel, accompany God’s people, and become missionaries of hope.
We congratulate Fr. George Glinca Jung Tena, CSsR, Fr. Chrispinus Erwin Kelen CSsR, Fr. Bartolomeus Rowa Sogen, CSsR and Fr. Juliant Pedro Claudio, CSsR on their priestly ordination.
May they remain faithful to their vocation, generous in missionary service, and close to the people entrusted to their pastoral care. May they become good shepherds after the heart of Christ and joyful witnesses of God’s abundant redemption.
May St Alphonsus, the saints and blesseds of the Redemptorist Congregation, and Mary, Mother of Perpetual Help, accompany them with their prayers as they begin this new chapter of missionary service.
Congratulations, dear confrères! May the Lord bless you and send you forth as missionaries of hope.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
