by Mathias Hariyadi

On the eve of the Easter Triduum, the priests from various dioceses have responded to the bishops invitation by attending retreats. Among the topics for reflection, personal vocation, pastoral work and service to the Church. A "special Eucharist" to renew the promise of obedience.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - With the Chrism Mass - celebrated in the evening today or tomorrow depending on the diocese - Indonesian Catholics are preparing to live the rites of Holy Week. According to a tradition started in Java (by the late Archbishop of Jakarta Mgr. Leo Soekoto Sj) and taken up in many other areas of the archipelago, during the "special Eucharist" the bishop imparts the blessing of the oils - used in subsequent litugies - and accepts the "renewal" of the promise of obedience and loyalty to the Church. The first "Misa Krisma" is celebrated today in the Diocese of Bandung, Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja SJ will preside over the ceremony, since the seat is still vacant following the appointment of Mgr. Johannes Pujasumarta Pr as archbishop of Semarang.

In anticipation of the Easter Triduum, archbishop Pujasumrta Pr has asked all priests in the province of Central Java to participate in a three day retreat, during which they reflected on their vocation, pastoral work and service to the Church. A similar invitation was proposed by Msgr. Julianus Sunarka SJ, Bishop of Purwokerto, attended by the priests of the diocese in a two-day retreat at Kaliori. "It will end - a diocesan priest explains to AsiaNews - with the Chrism Mass to be celebrated in the cathedral."

In the diocese of Palangkaraya, central Borneo, Msgr. AM Sutrisnaatmaka MSF called "the annual" retreat of the priests before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the period of Lent. A choice, the prelate told AsiaNews, dictated by the fact that "our parishes are scattered a little 'everywhere" and it can take "hours or even days on end" to reach the provincial capital.

Instead, the retreat of the priests of Padang and Pangkalpinang was postponed, also in this case because of "logistic" reasons. Msgr. Martinus Situmorang confirms that "the retreat will be held in May," because the Archdiocese of Padang covers a vast territory and it would be impossible for priests to reach the capital and then return in time to celebrate the Easter liturgies. Fr. Hans Jeharut Pr, a Pangkalpinang priest, confirms that "there will be a special Eucharist in May, along with other planned events."

 

• indonesia
• easter
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• catholic
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• bishops
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• retreat