Perpetual Profession and Ordination to the Diaconate in Malang

EASTERN JAVA, Indonesia - On August 15, 2015, Bro. Laurensius Gafur, SMM and Bro. Rikardus Nsalu, SMM made their Perpetual Profession at St Montfort Seminary in Malang, Eastern Java.

Present at this celebration were family members of the two confreres, the formators, members of the Provincial Council, some other Montfort Fathers and many religious and people from other communities.

The Eucharistic Celebration started at 4:30 p.m. and ended at 6:30 p.m. The choir was formed by the scholastics. In his homily, Fr. Kasimirus Jumat, Provincial Superior, said that “Living the religious vows is certainly full of risks.” However, “Don’t be afraid” (as Montfort proclaimed). Don’t be afraid, because – though you are weak – the Lord will strengthen you. Don’t be afraid, because – though you are taking many risks – the Lord will save you.”

In his thanksgiving speech, Bro. Lorensius Gafur asked those attending the celebration to pray for both of them, that they should be shepherds filled with joy, a joy which will grow from an ongoing relationship with the Lord.  

The following day, August 16, 2015, Bro. Laurensius Gafur and Bro. Rikardus Nsalu, were ordained deacons by Bishop Silvester San, of Denpasar, Bali. This celebration had a more communitarian character; besides confreres and family members, only a few people from outside attended.

Bishop Silvester admonished the new deacons to live their lives as deacons joyfully. Or, in the wordings of Pope Francis, “not to live like people just returning from the graveyard.” Bishop  Silvester also quoted Mother Theresa of Calcutta: “We are called not to be successful, but to be faithful.” If we are faithful, success will come by itself. To a priest, being successful is not a matter of prestige and achievement, but the ability to change “bread and wine” into spiritual food for the faithful.

Both celebrations were followed by a festive supper for all the people attending.

We give thanks to God for these grace-filled events. Congratulations to the new Reverends!