On January 28, 2026, the Province of Mary Immaculate in Indonesia experienced a very significant and joyful event: the ordination of three of its friars to the priesthood.
The celebration took place in the Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua in Sasi Kefamenanu, Diocese of Atambua, Indonesia. Many friars and local faithful attended. The Most Reverend Dominikus SAKU, Bishop of Atambua, conferred the sacrament of Holy Orders upon the three deacon friars.
The newly ordained priests are Friars Nikolaus Rufinus Maria NAHAMPUN, Joseph Agung Bathara Maria SEMBIRING, and Maurice Diky Maria NUBATIONIS. The first two friars are from the Archdiocese of Medan (Sumatera Utara) Indonesia, while the third is from the Archdiocese of Kupang, Indonesia. This is the first priestly ordination of the Friars Minor Conventual in the Parish Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the friars’ mission presence in Sasi Kefamenanu.
The Minister Provincial, Friar Maximilianus Kalef Maria SEMBIRING, expressed his deep gratitude to Bishop SAKU for ordaining the three friars to the priesthood. He also thanked the priests who concelebrated, the parents of the newly ordained, the organizing committee, and the entire parish community. At the same time, he announced the new mission assignments: Friar Nikolaus will guide friars preparing for the priesthood at the formation house in Pematangsiantar, Indonesia; Friar Joseph Agung will guide postulants in Delitua, Indonesia; and Friar Maurice Diky will be serving as a missionary in Uzbekistan.
In his homily, Bishop SAKU mentioned that the priestly ministry is founded on the tria munera Christi, namely, celebrating the Eucharist (munus sanctificandi), proclaiming the Word of God (munus docendi), and guiding God’s people in communion (munus regendi). He emphasized that the grace of the priesthood is not a worldly achievement or personal accomplishment, but a gift from God that works through human frailty. The priest is called to lead the people toward holiness through the celebration of the sacraments and sacramentals.
The bishop went on to say that with these ordinations, the message of salvation is brought even closer to the People of God. He encouraged the newly ordained to persevere faithfully in their ministry; to become shepherds who gather, protect, and unite the people, sharing in their sufferings and challenges.
Friar Maximilianus Kalef Maria SEMBIRING
