First provincial for Indonesia, Fr. Andrew Wang installed
Jakarta, Indonesia, 1 August 2018 -- For the Salesians of Indonesia, June 8, 2018 is a day to remember. After about 20 years of being part of the ITM (Indonesia-Timor Leste) Vice-Province, and particularly being a Delegation for the past 6 years, the canonically erected Vice-Province of Indonesia was officially announced from the General House in Rome on that day. The Salesians who work in four dioceses: 3 in Java island and 1 in the island of Sumba (the East Nusa Tenggara province), received the news with grateful and joyful hearts. They congratulated one another and shared their happy feelings in direct ways and through the social media.
The new Vice-Province assumes its official name as Saint Aloysius Versiglia Vice-Province of Indonesia and uses its abbreviation name as INA, the short form of the word “Indonesia”. Our dear bishop and saint-martyr Aloysius Versiglia most probably was guiding the process of choosing this name, given the fact that his dearest saint-martyr companion Caravario is already in use as the patron name of TLS Vice-Province (Timor Leste). It’s true: TLS and INA are not seen as mother and son but both are real brothers.
To complete this new establishment, the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Father Angel Fernandez Artime has appointed Father Andrew Wong as the first superior, after considering and deciding upon the consultation made by the Salesians of Indonesia. Father Andrew, a Filipino, has been a missionary in Indonesia and Timor Leste since 1994. He became the first Provincial for ITM in 1998. After carrying out different assignments in both World and Province levels, in and outside ITM Vice-Province for the past 30 years, he humbly and generously accepted his new obedience to come home serving his brothers in Indonesia. He understands and speaks both languages: Bahasa Indonesia and Tetum of Timor Leste.
On August 1, 2018, at the chapel of Post Novitiate “Wisma Salesian Don Bosco” Sunter - North Jakarta, Father Wong professed his faith in God and offered himself to be empowered by the love of Triune God for his new mission as Provincial of INA Vice-Province. He was officially installed. Father Klement Vaclav, the Regional Councilor for EAO, was present as the principal witness on behalf of the Rector Major and the Congregation. Most of the Indonesia Salesian SDB and other members of the Salesian Family were also present to witness this historical event which was inserted in the celebration of the Holy Mass.
In his remarks, Father Andrew Wong expressed his willingness and readiness to assume the responsibility that was given to him by the Congregation. He feels to be home again after some years of being away, and he is happy to begin his service to his Salesian brothers in Indonesia. He delivered his speech fluently in Bahasa Indonesia, without using a text, because he did not forget Indonesian language.
At the end of his speech, the Provincial introduced his closest collaborators or the members of the first INA Provincial Council. His Vicar is Fr Lino Belo, the Economer is Fr Yohanes Boedi, and the three Councilors are Fr Yosef Suban Ola, Fr Andre Delimarta, and Br Lusianus Kelo. Congratulations and keep the spirit of Don Bosco, dear Brothers!
