“Urged by the Love of Christ”: Eight Dehonian Ordained in Indonesia
On August 27, 2025 Archbishop Yohanes Harun Yuwono ordained 6 dehonian priests and 2 deacons at St. Mary Parish, Tugumulya, South Sumatera, Indonesia. The bishop urged the new ordained to never stop moving and to give their very best for Christ.
TUGUMULYO, INA – An atmosphere of joy and gratitude filled St. Mary’s Parish in Tugumulyo, Musi Rawas, on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Thousands of people from various cities gathered to witness the ordination of eight new priests and two new deacons, led by the Archbishop of Palembang, Mgr. Yohanes Harun Yuwono.
The solemn Mass was attended by over 200 priests and religious members, all showing their full support for the men dedicating their lives to the service of the Church.
In his homily, Archbishop Yohanes Harun Yuwono delivered a powerful message, urging the new clergy to “never stop moving” and avoid becoming stagnant in their comfort zones. He emphasized the high dignity they receive as “friends of Christ.” “This means,” the Archbishop explained, “that Christ accepts all their weaknesses and shortcomings, which in turn enables them to give their very best for Him.” He hoped that the new priests would always live in this dignity, so that the saving love of Christ could be made “real and concrete” through a true brotherhood that embraces everyone without discrimination.
Words of encouragement also came from the SCJ Indonesian Provincial, Fr. Andreas Suparman, SCJ. In his speech, he hoped that the ordination motto, “Charitas Christi Urget Nos!”, would truly make the new Dehonian priests feel “always urged to love.” This driving love, he said, should push them to serve beyond all worldly barriers. “The Dehonian call,” he affirmed, “is a ministry of love and peace.”
The newly ordained priests and deacons are:
*New Priests*
Fr. Daniel Depan Pratama (Archdiocese of Palembang)
Fr. Dionisius Kostka Bima Dwi Atmaja (Archdiocese of Palembang)
Fr. Isidorus Bryan Boro Pangestu, SCJ
Fr. Gregorius Virdiawan Mubin, SCJ
Fr. Albertus Frans Yoseph Kriswantoko, SCJ
Fr. Cornelius Maruli Widyan Raswata, SCJ
Fr. Andreas Suko Ari Wasono, SCJ
Fr. Agustinus Dwi Handono, SCJ
*New Deacons*
Deacon Fransiskus Dedy Saputra, SCJ
Deacon Alexander Bayu Putra Pramata, SCJ
This ordination was the culmination of a novena prayed by the community. The event concluded with a shared hope that the newly ordained will always have compassionate hearts, following the example of Jesus the Good Shepherd, and become a blessing to the Church and society. It is also hoped that this sacred event will inspire more young people to answer God’s call.
