The Order of the Holy Cross (OSC), Province of Christ the Savior in Indonesia, launched a yearlong series of programs to mark 100 years since Dutch Crosiers began their missionary work in the country.
The observance opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Bandung. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, of Bandung, concelebrated by Provincial Superior Father Basilius Hendra Kimawan, OSC, and Father Wahyu Pr., general vicar of the Diocese of Bandung.
Faithful supporters of the congregation’s missionary work attended the celebration, along with members of various religious congregations in the diocese.
Organizers described the liturgy as an expression of gratitude for a century of service, faith, and proclamation of the Gospel.
It also marked the official opening of centennial commemorations, with major events centered at Bandung Cathedral.
Beginnings of the mission
Ninety-nine years ago, three Crosier missionaries began the congregation’s work in Indonesia:
- Fr. Marinus Nilessen, OSC (30)
- Fr. Yohannes de Rooy, OSC (35)
- Fr. Jacobus Hubertus Gomans, OSC (43), head of the mission
They arrived in Indonesia on Feb. 9, 1927, beginning what would become nearly a century of ministry in the country.
During the Mass, symbols including the Cross, candles, and flowers were presented to highlight the congregation’s missionary spirituality and continuity of faith across generations.
The Order of the Holy Cross currently serves in:
- Diocese of Bandung, West Java
- Diocese of Agats-Asmat, Papua
- Archdiocese of Jakarta
- Diocese of Sibolga, Nias Island, North Sumatra
- Archdiocese of Medan, North Sumatra
“As we commemorate nearly a century of the Order’s mission in Indonesia, we are invited not only to look back with gratitude, but also to step forward in faith and in a spirit that crosses boundaries. We are called to continue bringing the spirit of the Cross to a world thirsting for hope—to be a light that remains burning, love made visible in action, and witnesses that God continues to work through hearts that are open and willing,” said Father Basilius Hendra Kimawan, OSC.
“May the Cross of Christ remain our source of strength, our foundation of truth, and the root of our life—now and forever,” he added.
Publication of historical volumes
Among the programs scheduled over the next 11 months is the publication of a re-edited history of the OSC mission in Indonesia.
The original comprehensive history of the Dutch OSC mission to the Netherlands Indies was written by Dr. Roger Janssen, OSC, of Belgium. A new three-volume Indonesian edition was prepared by Mathias Hariyadi.
The book is titled Menjadi Provinsi Sang Kristus: 1927–1975 – Misi Jawa (“Becoming the Christ the Savior Indonesian Province: 1927–1975 – Mission to Java”). The three volumes carry the theme “Indonesia 1927–2027: CROSSIERS, 100 Years Crossing Boundaries” and comprise more than 1,000 pages.
Historical background
The Order of the Holy Cross traces its origins to 1210 in Europe, where a movement emphasizing radical poverty, humility, prayer, and ascetic discipline emerged amid social and ecclesial change.
The congregation was founded under the leadership of Theodorus de Celles near present-day Liège, Belgium. Its spirituality centers on In Cruce Salus (“In the Cross there is salvation”).
The order was formally approved on Oct. 23, 1248, by Pope Innocent IV through the papal bull Religiosam Vitam Eligentibus.
Over time, the Crosiers expanded to the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Brazil, the Congo, and Indonesia.
Bandung serves as the headquarters of OSC Indonesia and houses the provincialate, novitiate, and scholasticate. In addition to parish ministry, the congregation is involved in higher education, including Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, and operates the Pratista Retreat House in Cisarua, West Bandung.
In 1977, OSC Indonesia became an independent province under the name Sang Kristus (Christ the Savior).
The congregation also promotes liturgical formation through ILSKI (Institut Liturgi Sang Kristus Indonesia), which offers courses for clergy and laypeople.
