Young diocesan priests from across West Kalimantan took part in an Ongoing Formation (OGF) program organized by the Indonesian Diocesan Priests Association (UNIO Indonesia) in September at the St. John Paul II Retreat House in Anjongan, Pontianak.
The three-day gathering brought together dozens of priests ordained between one and ten years from the Archdiocese of Pontianak and the dioceses of Sanggau, Sintang, and Ketapang. The initiative seeks to strengthen fraternity, deepen spirituality, and renew pastoral commitment among the clergy.
The program opened with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by Bishop Samuel Oton Sidin of Sintang, who also serves as Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Pontianak.
In his homily, Bishop Samuel urged priests to embrace fraternity and unity in their ministry. He emphasized the need to “walk together,” saying that such spiritual strength “keeps alive the flame of hope in the service of the local Church.”
The sessions were guided by Fr. Laurens Sanga, official representative of UNIO Indonesia, together with diocesan UNIO leaders including Fr. Gusti of Ketapang, Fr. Yohanes of Sanggau, and Fr. Sumarno of the Archdiocese of Pontianak.
Fr. Maxi Un Bria, national chair of UNIO Indonesia from the Archdiocese of Kupang, also joined the program.
He spoke on the importance of ongoing formation, the mission of UNIO Indonesia, and the theme “Walking Together.”
Fr. Maxi described ongoing formation as “a vital bridge for priests to nurture and sustain the grace of the priesthood while weaving bonds of fraternity.”
He said it strengthens the spirit of priest helping priest, creating space for sharing, group dynamics, and mutual inspiration “rooted in the synodal life of the Church.”
At the closing Mass, Fr. Maxi called on priests to give thanks for their vocation. He encouraged them “to give thanks for the gift of the priesthood and to live it joyfully in communion with their bishop and fellow priests.”
The gathering highlighted UNIO Indonesia’s continuing efforts to accompany young diocesan clergy in their mission, fostering unity and pastoral renewal across local churches in the region.
