The Indonesian Diocesan Priests Association (UNIO Indonesia or UNINDO) has successfully conducted an ongoing formation program, benefiting 27 priests from three dioceses under the Makassar, Amboina, and Manado (MAM) regions.
The program was organized by the Makassar Archdiocese’s branch of UNINDO and primarily targeted diocesan priests ordained for less than ten years.
Fr. Albert Arina, chief of Makassar Archdiocese’s UNIO and head of the laity apostolate office, shared that the event was attended by eight priests from Manado Diocese, five from Amboina Diocese, and the rest from Makassar Archdiocese.
“This ongoing formation program was successfully held last mid-November with the attendance of 27 diocesan priests from MAM Regio,” the priest said.
The sessions were facilitated by Ferdinand Hindiarto, dean of Soegijapranata Catholic University (SCU) in Semarang, Central Java.
“Along with his professional team, Mr. Hindiarto managed to induce a more broadminded perspective of both personal spiritual development and technicalities as a ‘modern’ priest in this vastly-cum-quickly changed world,” added Fr. Arina.
The program aligns with Pastores Dabo Vobis, the apostolic exhortation of Pope John Paul II, which emphasizes the importance of ongoing priestly formation.
“The pontifical document says that ongoing formation for priests is always a compulsory need to bring them more adaptable with their religious vocation,” Fr. Arina noted, referring to Pastores Dabo Vobis No. 76.
The program commenced with a solemn Eucharistic celebration led by Bishop John Liku Ada’, retired prelate of Makassar Archdiocese. Addressing the participants, Bishop Ada’ shared his challenges as a young priest.
“A lot of spiritual and pastoral challenges [were faced] that even I wanted to quit my priesthood,” said Bishop Ada’, as quoted by Fr. Arina.
He recounted the difficulties of serving in Makassar Archdiocese during a time when diocesan priests were scarce.
“My religious vocation as a local diocesan priest was a severe job to do, as only a small number of priests were expected to cover three provinces that sometimes seriously challenged my fundamental vocation to become a priest,” explained Bishop Ada’.
The archdiocese encompasses South, Central, and Southeast Sulawesi, presenting vast pastoral challenges for a small clergy.
Several participants shared positive experiences from the program. Fr. Ardianto Allolayuk of Makassar Archdiocese expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am personally gracious to join this program that I could adopt a variety of new perspectives, and I am expected to implement these new things into force,” said Fr. Ardianto.
Fr. Rikon Patiama of Manado Diocese emphasized the dual importance of prayer and pastoral work in priestly life.
“Priestly life is not only implemented into force by actively practiced prayings, but also in our pastoral works. There is the Lord who always directs our priestly life. There are also priest colleagues who also support our mission,” he said.
Despite the intense sessions over three days, participants were able to unwind with a trip to the karst mountains of Ramang-Ramang in Maros Regency.
The program concluded with a courtesy dinner hosted by the current Archbishop Frans Nipa of Makassar, who praised the ongoing formation initiative for young priests.
Fr. Frans Maxi Un Bria, chairman of UNINDO and a priest from Kupang Archdiocese in East Nusa Tenggara, echoed similar sentiments, commending the efforts to strengthen the formation of diocesan clergy.
