Amid the serene atmosphere of Lembah Karmel Retreat Center, Cikanyere, located nearly 90 km from East Jakarta, the Redemptorist Community of Jakarta held their annual retreat from December 2 to 5, 2024. The retreat carried the profound theme, “Missionaries of Hope in Solidarity with the Poor,” and was led by Fr. Dandy Bastian, CSsR, the socius for Redemptorist students at Wisma Sang Penebus, Yogyakarta.
The retreat was attended by nine confreres from various ministries. Among them were Fr. Roby and Fr. Willy from St. Aloysius Gonzaga Parish, Cijantung; Fr. Enos and Fr. Rafi from St. Leo the Great Parish, Jatiwaringin; and Fr. Gusti (Superior), Fr. Kunradus, Fr. Mans Wenge, Fr. Rian, and Fr. Heri Lewar. The latter three are currently preparing for their missionary assignments in Australia and Germany.
Throughout the retreat, Fr. Dandy guided participants in reflecting on the overarching Redemptorist sexennium theme: “Missionaries of Hope – Apostolic Life in a Changing World.” The confreres were invited to revisit their identity as Redemptorists, responding to the needs of the times with creative fidelity to the Gospel, the Constitution, and the Statutes of the Congregation.
Grounding the reflections in the words of Hebrews 12:2, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,” Fr. Dandy posed a challenging question: “We are missionaries of hope, but are we also missionaries filled with hope?”
In addition to these reflections, the confreres were inspired by the spirit of the Congregation’s founders: St. Alphonsus, St. Clement, and St. Gerard. During personal reflection, each confrere revisited the journey of their vocation by pondering, What drew you to become a Redemptorist? and If you were to give testimony to young people, what would you share about the Redemptorist mission? These sharing moments became profound opportunities for mutual affirmation and collective renewal of hope.
One session highlighted the concept of poverty as the backbone of St. Alphonsus’ spirituality. Quoting 2 Corinthians 8:9, “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich,” Fr. Dandy emphasized that the option for the poor is the very reason for the Congregation’s existence (cf. Constitution 5).
“The poverty of humanity reflects the poverty of Christ,” he said, reminding that neglecting the poor signals the onset of a crisis of identity for the Congregation. Pope Francis’ exhortation also resonated strongly: “Do not be afraid to take new paths, engage in dialogue with the world, and serve those most in need.”
The retreat concluded with a closing Mass celebrated by Fr. Roby Ndajang. Prior to the Mass, the confreres engaged in discussions about the strengths and challenges of their pastoral work in Jakarta, while brainstorming creative steps to proclaim “Copiosa Apud Eum Redemptio” (“With Him is Plentiful Redemption”) to those most marginalized, both materially and spiritually.
After lunch, the confreres bid farewell to the retreat center and returned to Jakarta, carrying renewed vigor and creativity for their mission. Echoing the lyrics of a famous Koes Plus song that lingered in their hearts: “To Jakarta I return, no matter what may come.” With this spirit, they reaffirmed their commitment to being missionaries of hope for all.
Fr. Willy Ngongo Pala, CSsR.
