Father Hadrianus Wardjito was born on August 23, 1954 and was 71 years old. He took his first vows on January 1, 1979 and was ordained priest on July 7, 1982.

He was currently living in Lampung (Indonesia). He belonged to the Province INA.

Into your hands I commit my very life. (Ps 31:5)

Rome, February 28, 2026.

Remembrance, Condolences and Suffrage
Fr. Hadrianus Wardjito SCJ

Dear confreres,

On February 23, 2026, the Lord called one of the brave laborers of His harvest to His side. Fr. Hadrianus Wardjito SCJ from the Province of Indonesia. He was born on August 23, 1954, in the city of Magelang, located on the island of Java, and near the city of Yogyakarta.

From his early years, Wardjito was known for his warm, cheerful, and naturally humorous personality. A man who spoke honestly and spontaneously – sometimes bluntly – but always with sincerity. His openness and lively spirit would later become distinctive characteristics of his preaching and leadership.

He professed first vows on January 30, 1979. Precisely three years later, he professed perpetual vows, and then seven months after, he was ordained to the priesthood in Yogyakarta.

He was a very dedicated and zealous worker in what concerned to God’s mission. In this sense, he carried out various ministries in the service of the Congregation and of the Church.

Regarding his academic pursuit, Fr. Wardjito earned a Licentiate in Youth Religious Education at the Salesian University in Rome (1986). He revealed a consistent integration between study and mission. Through his studies, he proved to be both academically capable and pastorally gifted, particularly in preaching. Many would find his homilies inspiring, richly illustrative, direct in language, and able to move hearts.

From 1989 to 1997 he served as provincial counselor of the Indonesian Province. Then, from 1997 to 2003, he was called to continue his service as counselor, but now at the general administration.

Being a general councilor, he participated directly in the governance of the Congregation at the international level. He was involved in the discernment of global missionary priorities and accompanied provinces across various cultural and socio-economic contexts. He always balanced fidelity to the Sacred Heart charism with emerging pastoral realities, fostering communion among different regions of the Congregation.

For a naturally expressive, humorous, and straightforward man, the role at the international level required of him deep listening, patience, and intercultural sensitivity. Living in Rome was an opportunity to broaden his horizons and sharpen his global vision. He concretely touched the richness and the complexity of a worldwide Congregation. Such experience reinforced his conviction that leadership is not about control, but a service to build communion.

For six years, he served alongside Fr. Virginio Bressanelli, who was the superior general at the time. The currently Bishop Virginio greatly appreciated the collaboration of Fr. Wardjito to the Congregation. He described it with the following words:

“It is with sadness that I receive the news of the death of Father Wardjito, general councilor during my second term. I thank God for having known him and for his service to the Congregation. I appreciated many things about him: his availability, warmth, cheerfulness and always, in all things, a positive and encouraging vision. His honesty was unquestionable, as was his sense of fraternity. He knew how to deal with adversity with patience and without losing the smile that was always on his lips. He was a loyal man. He enthusiastically promoted the Dehonian laity. He was a determined supporter of the Missionary Company, which he also managed to set up in Indonesia.

Today he is in our prayers that he may enjoy life with the Holy Trinity and continue to intercede for us.”

Having completed his time as general counselor, Fr. Wardjito returned to his home province where he served in various activities and in the study of Philosophy until 2015. In 2016 he was transferred to a new mission in Papua. There he stayed until 2019, when he took over the mission office until 2022.

In the following years he returned to parish ministry at different locations.

When called home to God, Fr. Wardjito was living at the provincial house in Lumpung.

In agreement with what is stated in our General Directory (DG 69.4), I would like to ask that in every community of our Congregation a Holy Mass be celebrated in his suffrage.

The life of Fr. Hadrianus Wardjito SCJ reflects a remarkable loyalty sustained across decades of religious and priestly commitment. His journey reveals a sincere love for the Congregation.

May he rest in peace!

 Fr. Levi dos Anjos Ferreira
Vicar General