Bandung, Damian Seminary, July 13, 2025 — In an atmosphere full of hope and joy, the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (SSCC) received 21 young people as new postulants. The Eucharistic celebration of the reception of postulants was held at the Damina Seminary community as the initial formation house for SSCC postulants. The reception mass celebration of the new postulants was led by Father Patris SSCC, as formator, and attended by around 100 invitees consisting of the congregation, SSCC sisters, Sister Alma, and friends of the congregation.
The postulants accepted this year come from diverse regions of Indonesia—from Sumatra to East Nusa Tenggara. One particularly noteworthy moment was the arrival of a candidate from Ambon, a new region sending its first candidate to the SSCC Congregation.
“This is a sign that the spirit of love and devotion to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary has reached wider areas, even to eastern Indonesia. This is not just a number; it is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit,” said Father Patris, SSCC, in his homily .
Amidst the challenges of our times, the religious calling often faces boredom, doubt, and even anxiety about the future. However, Father Patris emphasized that it is precisely in such circumstances that we are reminded to remain steadfast in Jesus Christ.
“In times of boredom, in times of difficulty, in times of doubt, even when we feel as if we have no direction, let’s not forget that we are not alone. We have a faithful captain : Jesus Christ, who always guides and sustains us,” he stressed, drawing emotional nods from the audience.
This celebration is not merely a ceremony, but the beginning of a profound spiritual journey. Postulancy is the first stage in religious formation, where candidates are formed in the spirit of the spirituality of the Sacred Heart, learn to live together, deepen their personal relationship with Christ, and become more intimately acquainted with the congregation’s identity.
Each person who steps into religious life brings their own stories, longings, and struggles . But in SSCC, they find a home—a community alive with the spirit of love, healing, and mission.
“Your steps today are not just toward this community, but toward an answer to a much greater call to love. Let the Sacred Heart of Jesus be your rooted place, and the Heart of Mary be your blanket of tenderness in all your struggles,” Father Patris concluded with a hopeful message.
May these 21 new postulants continue to grow in love, be strengthened in spirit, and be faithful in their calling. Like seeds planted in fertile soil, may their lives bear fruit in sincere service and selfless devotion.
“The calling is not about perfection, but about the willingness to answer, even in the midst of the storm.”
Hail to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Fr. Andreas Ama Kelen, SSCC