From December 16, 2025 to January 16, 2026 Brother Ignatius Himawan undertook his thirty-day retreat at the Provincial house in Batam. He was accompanied by Provincial in this Ignatian Spiritual exercise, integrated with our Sacred Heart Spirituality. This was a special retreat because he was the only participant and it took place in the city. For meditation, he also went to the Adoration room at Saint Damian Parish. His first day of retreat fell on Christmas day. Therefore, he participated Christmas Eve in Saint Michael Station in Batu Merah, where he and provincial renewed their profession before people of God. According to Br. Himawan, having the retreat in the middle of the city helped him to make these spiritual exercises as part of daily life-at least for one meditation a day.
After completing this retreat successfully, Br. Himawan continued with his deaconate retreat alongside Br. Marvic from January 18 to 20, 2026. This deaconate retreat was guided by Provincial with the theme, “A called to Deaconate: The Good News, Altar and Charity. This retreat also took place at the Provincial house with the input in the morning, sharing in the afternoon and meditation in the evening. It was special one because the Philippine and Japan had just become part of Indonesia, after the decision of the extraordinary chapter of Japan-Philippine was approved by Superior General last December 3, 2025. As a concluding retreat, both of them serve in the English Mass, presided by Fr. Pankras at Sain Damian Parish-one as minister of the Word and another one as minister of the Altar. To complete their service as future deacons, they also distributed packets of basic needs to the person the met along the way to Galang Island. We take this opportunity to thank provincial community, which provided everything necessary for both retreats. Let us keep Br. Marvic and Br Himawan in our prayers as they prepare for final vows on January 22 at Saint Damian parish in Batam and deaconate ordination at Kentungan Seminary, on January 26 in Jogjakarta.
Romo Pankras, SS.CC