More than 35 priests, sisters, and brothers native to the Menoreh Hills region gathered at St. Mary of Lourdes Promasan Parish for a two-day reunion that sought to rekindle old friendships, share life stories, and renew their collective commitment to religious life.
Organized by members of a WhatsApp group initiated in 2016 by Fr. Alf. Krismiyanto, the gathering brought together members from various congregations, including O.Carm, FIC, SPM, FSGM, PPYK, OSF, SCY, PIJ, and MTB.
The group now includes 102 consecrated men and women who hail from remote villages such as Gempal, Semagung, Kapuhan, Tanjung, and Duren Sawit.
The event opened with a prayer gathering attended by the families of the religious, known as Keluarga Timbalan, followed by a Eucharistic celebration at Promasan Church presided over by Fr. Krismiyanto and concelebrated by five priests.
In his homily, Fr. Krismiyanto reflected on the family as Ecclesia Domestica, or “Domestic Church,” emphasizing that “it takes courage and sacrifice for parents and family members to foster an atmosphere where Catholic faith can grow and be lived out.”
He also called on the congregation to pray “for the fidelity and mission of those living the consecrated life.”
Promasan parish priest Fr. Aloysius Triyanto welcomed the participants and expressed hope that the reunion would inspire the local Church, particularly encouraging young people to consider vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
After the Mass, the reunion proceeded with parallel sessions. While Keluarga Timbalan gathered at the parish hall, members of the parish youth group (OMK) participated in a separate session at Wisma Ibu.
Facilitated by youth mentors including Kak Angel, the activities included introductions, storytelling, and symbolic faith-sharing through drawings.
On Sunday, participants embarked on a Jubilee pilgrimage via the traditional Way of the Cross from Promasan Church to the Sendangsono Marian shrine.
The 2-kilometer pilgrimage route, featuring 14 Stations of the Cross, has served as a sacred path since 1958. Sendangsono is widely regarded as Indonesia’s most visited Marian shrine and the site where Father van Lith baptized hundreds of local Javanese in 1904, marking the spread of Christianity in the region.
The shrine was redesigned in 1974 by the late Fr. Mangunwijaya, whose architectural work harmonized Javanese aesthetics and eco-friendly design. The Indonesian Institute of Architects honored it in 1991 as the best in the “special building” category.
The reunion concluded at Gubuk Ibu Kita 2 (GIK 2), where participants shared a meal featuring traditional Menoreh dishes. In a relaxed atmosphere, they reflected on how the event revived not only personal ties but also their spiritual purpose.
Some participants noted how childhood neighbors were only now truly meeting, underscoring how life had scattered them far from home. The gathering, they said, had rekindled memories and reawakened a shared mission.
As one sentiment captured the spirit of the weekend: “We are family—united in faith, vocation, and prayer.”
