The ordination of three Indonesian Xaverian priests, including two assigned to serve overseas, highlighted the local Church’s growing role in sending missionaries abroad as the congregation marked 75 years in the country.
Bishop Vitus Rubianto Solichin of Padang ordained Fathers Valerius Jan Nahak, Yunis Martinus Zalukhu, and Yulianus Agung on July 24 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Padang, West Sumatra province.
Hundreds of Catholics, relatives, priests, religious, and Xaverian missionaries attended the ordination Mass, which formed part of the congregation’s anniversary celebration under the theme “From Indonesia to the World.”
“The celebration is an expression of gratitude for 75 years of Xaverian missionary work in Indonesia while affirming that Indonesian missionaries are now being sent to serve the universal Church,” Father Harno, SX, chairman of the ordination committee, told Radio Veritas Asia on July 27.
Nahak, known as Father Lerry, has been assigned to the Xaverian community in Salerno, southern Italy, where he will serve as a vocation promoter, youth animator, and pastoral minister.
Zalukhu has been assigned to missionary ministry in the Philippines, while Agung will continue his licentiate studies in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
“They have been formed as missionaries. Wherever the Church sends them, that is where they are called to serve,” Father Purbanagata, SX, told RVA.
The three priests chose John 2:5 — “Do whatever He tells you” — as their ordination motto.
Nahak comes from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lakulo in the Diocese of Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara province.
He joined the Xaverian formation program in Yogyakarta in 2012. After completing his postulancy in Bintaro, South Tangerang Regency, and studying philosophy at the Driyarkara School of Philosophy in Jakarta, he continued his formation in Italy.
Nahak studied Italian in Parma before pursuing theology at the Studio Teologico Interdiocesano in Reggio Emilia. He made his perpetual profession in November 2024 at the Xaverian Shrine in Parma and was ordained a deacon in June 2025 by Bishop Natale Paganelli, SX.
During his formation, Nahak worked in children’s faith formation and served children in underprivileged communities in Jakarta. He also participated in interreligious dialogue, worked with Indonesia’s National Commission on Violence Against Women, served in Italian parishes, and cared for elderly Xaverian missionaries at the congregation’s motherhouse in Parma.
Agung, a native of Karot in the Diocese of Ruteng on Flores Island, studied philosophy in Jakarta before pursuing theology at the Instituto de Formación Teológica Intercongregacional de México in Mexico City.
His vocation was inspired by Acts 16:9: “Come over … and help us.”
“Many people are still waiting to encounter Christ in their lives. Becoming a priest means being willing to cross over in order to meet them,” he said.
Zalukhu is the first Xaverian priest from Pasar Usang in Padang Pariaman, West Sumatra province.
His vocation developed through parish life. As a child, he participated in children’s faith formation and served as an altar server.
Encouraged by Xaverian missionaries serving in his parish, he entered the congregation’s minor seminary formation program in Yogyakarta at age 14.
Zalukhu studied philosophy in Jakarta and theology at the Loyola School of Theology in the Philippines. He made his perpetual profession in November 2024 and was ordained a deacon in February 2025.
He has described his vocational journey as “taking trembling steps forward” — moving ahead with humility, aware of his limitations while placing his trust in God’s providence.
Founded by St. Guido Maria Conforti, the Xaverian Missionaries send members beyond their homelands to proclaim the Gospel in places where the Church considers their presence most needed.
