“Sint Unum: The Path of Union with the Heart of Christ.”
In the context of the Dehonian Jubilee, the SCJ Palembang Region in Indonesia seized the opportunity of the Dehonian Memorial Day to conduct a deep reflection on Sint Unum and renew its Dehonian identity.
The celebration of the Dehonian memorial day, held on 26 November 2025 at Ereveld Leuwigajah (Kerkov Cimahi), Bandung, West Java, brought together 27 SCJs—from the Palembang Region and Pematangsiantar Community. Several lay faithful also joined the celebration, enriching the atmosphere of prayer and communion.
A Moment of Reflection: “Sint Unum – The Path of Union with the Heart of Christ”
The Memorial Day reflection, delivered by Fr. Stepanus Sigit Pranoto, SCJ, explored the theme “Sint Unum: The Path of Union with the Heart of Christ.” This theme was intentionally chosen to align with the ongoing SCJ Jubilee celebrations (2025–2028). In Indonesia, the Jubilee program places particular emphasis on Sint Unum—unity of heart with Christ and unity within community—making the Memorial Day reflection deeply resonant with the broader congregational journey.
Fr. Sigit reminded the confreres that Sint Unum is the spiritual foundation of Dehonian life: a daily effort to allow the Heart of Christ to shape one’s whole being. He emphasized that authentic union with the Heart of Jesus inevitably blossoms into fraternal charity—mutual love expressed in forgiveness, attentiveness, and solidarity. Memorial Day, he noted, is not only a time to remember deceased confreres but also an invitation to renew the spiritual heritage they transmitted to the present generation.
The reflection helped participants re-center themselves on what it means to be Dehonian today—united, renewed, and sent on mission, in harmony with the Jubilee spirit.
Memorial Day Eucharist: Honoring the Legacy of Dehonian Missionaries
After the reflection, the community celebrated the Memorial Day Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Laurentius Suwanto, SCJ, Superior of the Palembang Region. In his introduction, Fr. Suwanto invited the confreres and lay participants to remember with gratitude the SCJ missionaries and local confreres who have gone before them.
The commemoration held special meaning at Ereveld Leuwigajah, where 11 Dutch SCJ missionaries are buried. These early missionaries were among the first SCJs who served in Indonesia and later became victims during the Japanese occupation. Their witness, sacrifice, and fidelity continue to inspire the present generation of SCJs in Indonesia.
“Today we not only honor their memory,” Fr. Suwanto said, “but we draw strength from their dedication and total commitment to the Heart of Jesus.”
Following the Eucharist, the confreres and lay faithful gathered at the graves of the missionaries to offer prayers and pay their respects. The solemn atmosphere deepened the sense of communion across generations of Dehonians.
Memorial Day as a Call to Renew Dehonian Identity
The commemoration served as a powerful reminder that the Dehonian charism continues to live through each member who embraces the call to reparation, fraternal love, and service. As the Palembang Region gathered in prayer and remembrance—together with the lay faithful present—they reaffirmed their commitment to embodying Sint Unum: unity of heart with Christ and unity with one another.
The Memorial Day celebration concluded with moments of silent prayer at the missionaries’ graves, leaving the participants with renewed gratitude, strengthened fraternity, and a deeper dedication to the mission entrusted to them.
