On Saturday, September 20, 2025, nine deacons from the Province of the Immaculate Conception in Indonesia were ordained to the priesthood.
The Mass of Ordination took place at the St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Padang Bulan, presided over by the Most Reverend Kornelius SIPAYUNG, OFM Cap., Archbishop of Medan, Indonesia. Several priests from the Order and the archdiocese concelebrated with joy and solemnity.
The new priests are: Friar Jasintus Zulsan Efendi SIMATUPANG of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Pangaribuan (Diocese of Sibolga); Friar Alexius Ivo TARIGAN of the St. John Paul II Parish in Namo Pecawir, Tuntungan District (Archdiocese of Medan); Friar Maximilianus Satya Graha GINTING of the St. Mary the Virgin Parish in Kabanjahe (Archdiocese of Medan); Friar Juan Alfredo KABAN of the St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Berastagi (Archdiocese of Medan); Friar Kornelius Anton KEFI of the Christ the King Parish in Haumeni (Diocese of Atambua); Friar Agustinus KOLO of the St. Arnold Janssen Parish in Jak (Diocese of Atambua); Friar Ricky Ignasius SIBURIAN of the St. Joseph Parish in Lawe Desky (Archdiocese of Medan); Friar Antonius SON of the St. Teresa Parish in Kefamenanu (Diocese of Atambua); and Friar Aurelius GUSTARDI of the St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Lengkuajang, Diocese of Ruteng. The diverse origins of these priests made the event even more significant, expressing the richness and vitality of the Conventual Franciscan presence in the country.
The celebration took place in an atmosphere of reflection and joy. Those present included many faithful, friends, and family members of the new priests; their participation enlivened the parish church. The liturgy was celebrated with great care and beauty, thanks to the friars who provided altar service and enlivened the celebration with their singing, assisted by a group of postulants and faithful.
During his homily, Bishop SIPAYUNG encouraged the new priests to love their flock more than themselves, to be shepherds who carry the “smell of the sheep,” and offer hope to the faithful not with grand words, but with simple, loving gestures.
At the end of the celebration, according to tradition, numerous faithful and friars approached the new priests to receive their first blessing. After a group photo, the guests gathered in the parish basement to share a meal in an atmosphere of fraternity and gratitude.
As the new priests processed in, they were welcomed with traditional dances from the Batak culture and the eastern regions of Indonesia (Timur), reflecting their cultural roots and marking the start of a celebration of unity and fraternity. The friars joined in singing and dancing on stage, followed by acts of celebration and sharing from the families and faithful in attendance.
The ordination was seen as a gift to the entire community, symbolizing hope and renewal for the Church in Indonesia. It also served as an opportunity to strengthen the fraternal bonds between the members of the Order and the people of God.
Friar Misko SIMANJUNTAK
