Indonesia: Five New Priests Called to Help Others Encounter the Heart of Jesus

Five new Dehonian priests were ordained on September 10, 2026, in the Diocese of Padang, Indonesia. All five are called to help others encounter the Heart of Jesus.

by Albertus Joni, SCJ

PERAWANG, RIAU — The Dehonian Family in Indonesia celebrated a moment of deep grace as five SCJ confreres were ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Vitus Rubianto Solichin, SX, Bishop of Padang, at St. John the Baptist Parish in Perawang, Riau. This historic event marks the first Dehonian ordination held in Perawang within the Diocese of Padang.

The newly ordained priests are:

Fr. Fransiskus Mujiono, SCJ
Fr. Yohanes Siapril Purba, SCJ
Fr. Iknasius Bayu Lesmana, SCJ
Fr. Novtavianus Aldi Prayoga, SCJ
Fr. Hendrikus Suharyono, SCJ

The joyous liturgy gathered Fr. Andreas Suparman, SCJ (Provincial Superior), fellow Dehonians, diocesan clergy, religious brothers and sisters, families, and faithful parishioners from across the region.

An Open Space for Christ

In his homily, Bishop Vitus emphasized that ordination is far more than a mere shift in status—it is a lifelong transformation. Spiritual formation does not conclude at the altar; rather, a priest remains a lifelong disciple, continuously molding his heart to reflect the Heart of Christ.

Drawing upon the symbolism of the Dehonian Cross, Bishop Vitus highlighted the open space at its center. He envisioned this central void as an emblem of a Dehonian priest’s true vocation: to serve as an open window through which others can encounter Jesus. A priest is not called to draw attention to himself, but to ensure his life and ministry guide people closer to the Sacred Heart. This imagery profoundly honors the legacy of founder Fr. Leo Dehon, who urged his priests to live in union with Christ’s Heart and bring His love into the world.

Sent Where Love Is Most Needed

Bishop Vitus also underlined the essential missionary character of the priesthood. Priests are sent not only to minister to those already in the pews, but especially to reach out to the poor, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted. For Dehonians, devotion to the Sacred Heart extends beyond contemplation—it is a direct call to open one’s arms to a suffering world.

The ordination in Perawang stands as a renewed promise for the Indonesian Province: that these five new priests will serve as men of communion, compassion, and boundless availability for the Church’s mission. Though five Dehonians were ordained, their true journey is just beginning—to decrease so that Christ may increase, and to dwell in His Heart so others may find their way Home.

Adveniat Regnum Tuum — Thy Kingdom Come.