Dear Brothers,
First of all, I need to apologize for this late circular letter. By its nature, it took time to digest the spirit of big events; general chapter and provincial chapter and their implication in our life and mission. I hope this message will help us to rekindle the spirit and live it out. In order to help us in reading the news in this circular letter as well as to live out the spirit of both chapters, let me highlight some event behind, hoping to give more meaning for us as a province.
Our 40th General chapter this time has very significant meaning. In the evaluation, some of chapter members said that the success of this General chapter was very much influence by its preparation. One of the preparation is the Enlarge General Chapter in Bandung last September 03 – 13, 2023. The unfold spirit that took place within and outside of Enlarge General chapter has special message for us Indonesian to see and interpretation our presence in the congregation as well as movement of the spirit toward future. And the General chapter come to a call for all of us member, “something has to change among us” especially in relation with youth ministry within a youth province like us. Yes, we have to converted from within, it is not us who evangelize the people, but our openness to be evangelized by people we served. Therefore, I encourage each of us and local community to read and share the spirit of 40th General chapter so that we can let our life and mission enflame by the same spirit to change us.
Reading the evaluation of the 8th provincial chapter, I found many positive things from the preparation and the ambience. Many brothers attended the provincial chapters as the same participant for General chapter. And the most Important is the presence of the provincial council of Japan-Philippines Province, as we are on the process to be one province as beginning of the step one Asian Province. Orientation of our provincial chapters re-embrace the past missionary spirit and moving toward one missionary body that experience by our provincial chapter. As you receive the orientation and decision of the provincial chapter, I urges each of us to read al let the spirit of every words enflame our soul so that we can live these orientation and decision from within.
In order to unify our soul and energy in implementing our 8th provincial chapter orientation, which are rooted in the 40th General Chapter, we have agreed to focus one theme in every year, beginning with the youth in this year of 2025. Therefore I ask each of us and our local communities, areas and province to prioritize youth in our life and mission. Yes, our youth in this present age, has many to offer. Therefore, let the youth in, and let us enter deeply in the youth, to find their blessings, even in their crosses and share among us along this year 2025.
Pankrasius Olak
Provinsial Propinsi Indonesia