Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian priests, drawn by technology, seem to show more familiarity with mobile phones than with the rosary. Arswendo Atmowiloto, a journalist and writer, published a short poem denouncing the phenomenon and at the same time, calling the religious men to rediscover the essence of faith. His verses met with the appreciation of Christians, an ignited a thorough discussion among the priests, to return to the "value of prayer" as a basic element to support the choice of consecrated life.

The Indonesian journalist writes of his "desire" for priests with "rosaries in their hands, rather than a BlackBerry". He also asks them to "listen" to the communities of faith, rather than proclaiming empty words and to show an "open heart" capable of transforming "despair into hope."

Interviewed by AsiaNews, Arswendo Atmowiloto says he wrote the poem following his "personal view" of the priesthood. "I was very impressed by a priest in Medan - says the journalist - who spent an entire day, using public transport, to make a pastoral visit to a congregation composed of 20 faithful in a remote area of the region". He compares the life of priests in rural areas, to those living in big cities like Jakarta, where you can find "all the technology" that modernity offers. "That's why – he comments - personally I prefer the priest with the rosary in his hands, rather than the BlackBerry."

Arswendo read his poem in public during a seminar on the priesthood in the parish church of St Francis of Assisi in Tebet, South Jakarta, last June. His words echoed widely among Catholics in Indonesia, and many faithful posted his poem on blogs and mailing lists.

However, even the religious men welcomed the words of the journalist, launching a discussion on consecrated life and sense of mission among the faithful. Fr. Blasius Lasmunadi, from the Diocese of Purwokerto, noted that priests should not forget the value of prayer in "enriching the priesthood." Fr. Aloys Budipurnomo, from the diocese of Semarang, said he was "struck by Arswendo’s poem because it is a mirror of priestly life". Fr. Adrianus Maradiyo adds that the lines have "fueled my critical spirit, strengthening my spiritual practice: I am deeply indebted to him”.  

Here is the poem, written by Arswendo Atmowiloto:

“I truly long for a priest who is hospitable…

 Priest with kind-hearted personality

 Priests with rosaries at their hands rather than the Black Berries

 Priests who are kindly listening to their congregation rather than much talking

 Priest who easily extend their loving heart to people

 Who could “change” despair into hope

 Who are competent in both ritual and spiritual richness.”