he Mass of my diaconate ordination started at 9:30am. I was a little bit nervous as I entered in procession with the bishop and other priests, about 12 of them. I tried my best to be aware of this important moment of my life. My experience of this ordination led me to see myself as a servant of God who has begun his journey 10 years ago, when I entered the Pre-Novitiate of Xaverians in Indonesia. These achievements are only possible through God’s grace.
I have received so much from many people along this formation journey, both in Indonesia and here in the USA. I believe that many of my confreres and friends remembered me in their prayers on this special day of my life. When the bishop laid his hands upon my head, I felt a tremendous awe, and at the same time I was ‘mystically’ transformed by the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to describe in words all of it, but I could sense that there was something unusual happening during this event as the bishop silently laid his hands heavily upon my head.
A few moments before, I laid prostrate on the floor as the Litany of the Saints was sung. Even some of my friends said how touched and moved were by the whole celebration, to the point of tears. I sensed the greatness of this ordination rite, and I surrender myself to God for this special ministry as deacon in the church.
The celebration continued with the Eucharist, and I joined the bishop together with deacon Paul Han, svd, and I distributed communion to the congregation. I noticed that the church was packed by many people from CTU, from the Indonesian groups present, the parishioners of Saint Therese and other friends from other places, like Milwaukee and Indiana.
The celebration continued with the sharing of roses for mothers, as we celebrated as well Mother’s Day in the USA.
“Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). I believe that even though my family was not present in this occasion, those who came to witness this event were my brothers, my sisters, my fathers, and my mothers.
Following the Eucharist, the celebration continued in the hall of Saint Therese School, and I was surprised by the number of people who came to enjoy friendship and fellowship. Father Ivan, Father Rocco, and Father Michael addressed everyone in the crows, and the Bishop blessed the food. I also said a few words of appreciation for the goodness of those who came to show their support during the celebration. I recalled the homily of the bishop who said that as deacon I am becoming a minister of the Word of God, minister of the altar (worship), and minister of service to God’s people. As I mentioned this, I emphasized that this day was a wonderful day in which we also celebrate Mother’s Day. It is just like the Gospel: “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). I believe that even though my family was not present in this occasion, those who came to witness this event were my brothers, my sisters, my fathers, and my mothers.
I thanked with all my heart those who came from far away, like the seven Indonesian friends from New York City. Jenny, one of the group, even entertained the guests with her Bali dance, to the amazement of the crowd. I also thanked the cantor (Nita) and the organist and pianist (Rita) who have worked hard to make this event a solemn celebration. I’m sure I forgot to name a few friends, but my thanks goes to everyone. Through their friendship and generosity I pray that God grant them abundant blessing. I thanked as well my confreres who have worked hard to prepare this event in spite of their busy schedules at the end of semester, in the midst of their papers and exams. Also, I thanked those who have prepared and served the food.
I went back to our community in Hyde Park, and we had supper together with my guests from New York and Philadelphia, plus Edi and Lisa. We had evening prayer led by Valery, and took a moment to introduced ourselves to each other. The hospitality and the supper with them made this moment special. Ibu Tatiana from Philadelphia prepared meat ball soup, with the special ingredients she made (Indonesian bakso) which was very good. Father Pascal set the table and cooked spaghetti. We enjoyed the conversation, singing, and dance.
All that I can say is that God has been good to me and to others. Through others I have received a lot of love and much care, and from now on I would like to return these special favors, and pray for them. I will keep in touch with these friends who have sustained my vocation journey, for their friendship has been a blessing.
(From Xaverian News)