Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - “Bersama Mewudjudkan Mimpi” or “bringing the dream to fruition together” is the motto for celebrations of the 25th anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Indonesia. Begun in September 2009, the jubilee celebrations will be attended by Fr. Pascual Chávez Villanueva, the Rector Major of the Salesians, who was received in Jakarta by Fr. Andrew Wong, Regional Councillor for East Asia -Oceania and Fr. Andres Calleja, Superior of the “Saint Callixstus Caravario” Vice Province of “Indonesia- East Timor.”
According to information released by the Salesian agency “ANS,” The Salesians began their apostolate in Indonesia in 1985, at Rajawali Selatan, Pademangan. The Sons of Don Bosco then moved in 1991 to Wisma, which became the Mother House of Indonesia. Other works were opened later, at Tigaraksa in 1999, St. John Bosco Parish, Sunter, in 2002, Sumba in 2003, and finally Blitar and Surabaya in 2009. The number of Salesians in Indonesia also increased: the first Indonesian Salesian was Fr. Andre Delimarta ordained in Jakarta Utara on 15 April 1997. Others followed and today there are more than 50 Indonesian Salesians. Indonesia is also home to the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, the Salesian Cooperators, and other friends of the work of Don Bosco. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 8/04/2010)
