austraLasia

At the new frontier of the Salesian Congregation

Purwodadi, Indonesia, 26 February 2018 -- The youngest Salesian presence in Indonesia in Purwodadi was open in 2015 and the canonical community with the first rector (Fr. Anto) was established only last summer 2017 in this Central Java town around the 60 years old Junior High School of Bhaktia Mulia. Three priests and two practical trainees are animating a small town Catholic School of 50 students after the invitation of Bishop of Purwokerto, Mons. Julianus Sunarko, SJ (2000-2016). In the context of the SDB Indonesia delegation this is probably the least visited community - a true periphery.

Valdocco-like Salesian presence among the poor young people in rural area (500 km from Jakarta and 300 km from our Blitar City school) brings the best of our Charism into life. Our 20 teachers (Christians and Muslims) admire the family spirit and team work of our confreres, that does change the life of our young people. Five Salesians live and pray together with 6 boarding Catholics (grade 7-9) and their simple and inspiring life becomes also a vocation invitation.

After two years of our presence, the local parish (MSC - Missionary of the Sacred Heart) priest requested our contribution to the youth ministry and Purwodadi Oratory is being born. From last September 2017 four animators are taking care about other 30 young Catholics in twice a months Oratory events with a formative touch. In this way the Salesian spirit is being shared in the local Church.

Salesian community of Purwodadi has also great dreams - to attract more students, to improve the infrastructures and education environment of the school, to build a decent (not emergency-like) community house (Purwodadi located close to the sea shore is also famous for almost annual floods and the schools find itself often under 50-60 cm of water). The Salesians also pray for the possible purchase of land for larger sports field or extension of this rather small school campus. Indeed the main dream and action requested is to share our preventive system of education and spirituality with many mission partners and young people.