On April 11, 2026, four Conventual Franciscan friars of the Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia professed their perpetual vows during Mass at the St. Joseph Church in Delitua, in the Archdiocese of Medan, Indonesia. The Mass was presided over by the Minister Provincial, Friar Maximilianus Kalef M. SEMBIRING, who received their profession.
Friars Robertus Crisanto M. SENA, Wilfridus M. NABEN, Selsus M. BADUR, and Rizal Silvester M. SITOHANG, professed perpetual vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity, definitively consecrating their lives to God by following Christ according to the charism of St. Francis of Assisi.
The celebration was attended by many priests, men and women religious, and faithful from various church communities, visibly demonstrating the Church’s communion around the gift of the consecrated vocation.
In his homily, the Minister Provincial spoke about the profound meaning of perpetual profession as a radical response to God’s call: “Perpetual vows are a concrete sign of the decision to leave everything to follow the Lord,” he stated. He mentioned Abraham as a model of faith, who entrusted himself completely to the divine promise.
Highlighting the dimension of Christian hope, the Minister Provincial further stated that in today’s world consecrated life is called to bear witness to total trust in God’s will—a hope that sustains the journey and illuminates the Gospel’s most demanding choices.
At the end of the celebration, the newly professed friars gave thanks for the gift of their vocation and for the support they received during their formation. Speaking on behalf of all, Friar Wilfridus M. NABEN thanked God for the faithfulness by which He guides their lives and asked for the Church’s continued prayers.
This event represents a sign of hope for the Church in Indonesia. It bears witness that the Lord continues to call people to religious life and that there are hearts ready to respond with generosity and evangelical radicalism.
Friar Fernando Septian Lopo M. AMBANU, OFM Conv.
