Centro Studi Dehoniani Shares the Founder’s Legacy with Novices and Scholastics in Indonesia
As part of the Dehonian Jubilee celebrations, the Centro Studi Dehoniani (CSD) visited the Indonesian Province from May 16 to June 2, 2025, to share the rich legacy of Dehonian spirituality.
As part of the Dehonian Jubilee celebrations, the Centro Studi Dehoniani (CSD) visited the Indonesian Province from May 16 to June 2, 2025, to share the rich legacy of Dehonian spirituality. The visit focused on the formation houses: the Novitiate of St. John in Gisting and the SCJ Scholasticate in Yogyakarta.
Fr. José Manuel Socrates Alferes, SCJ, a researcher and student of the CSD, led the sessions. He emphasized the fundamental importance of the First SCJ Constitution as a key to understanding and living Dehonian spirituality in today’s world.
Fr. Socrates conducted a three-day study session with the novices of the Indonesian Province from May 20 to 23, 2025. On the first two days, he presented the historical development of the SCJ Constitution, which integrates Vatican II insights and the charism of the Founder, Fr. Léon Dehon. He explained that the regulae vitae—or rule of life—serves as a milestone of ecclesial maturity, a daily source of guidance and inspiration, a tool for global communion, and a kind of spiritual grammar for living out the Dehonian identity.
On the final day with the novices, Fr. Socrates introduced the theme of Dehonian contemplation, inviting them into a deeper understanding of interior prayer and the spirituality of the Heart of Christ.
From May 25 to 27, Fr. Socrates continued his mission by engaging with the scholastics in Yogyakarta, who welcomed him with great enthusiasm and eagerness to delve deeper into the practice of Dehonian contemplation.
In addition to his work with the formation communities, Fr. Socrates also took the opportunity to visit several parishes and the SCJ Provincial House in Palembang, strengthening ties between the Indonesian Province and the wider Dehonian family.
This Jubilee encounter marked a meaningful moment of spiritual exchange between CSD and the SCJ Indonesian Entity. The experience will hopefully enrich the Dehonians of Indonesia and more deeply understand and embody Fr. Dehon’s legacy.
