7th Sunday of Easter, May 28, 2006
4th letter of May 2006
4) 7th Sunday of Easter, May 28, 2006
Monday, May 22, 2006.
In the morning I went to CTU to ask the registrar office to prepare my school document for my travelling to Indonesia. Maria Lemus signed up my I-20 letter and she will make other letters such as unofficial transcript. I borrowed some 10 books at CTU. In the evening together with Francois, I watched the DVD entitled Exorcism and at night I watched the DVD of my diaconate ordination made by Mateus, svd, and Indonesian student.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006.
In the morning we went out as community to dune in Indiana, an hour away from Chicago. It’s a beautiful place to relax and spend a half day in personal retreat. Three years ago as community as well, I went to this place. After three years I have been living in Chicago, I came to this place again as a remark of closing of my studies of M.Div. It’s a living reminder of my vocation journey to deacon now and expected priest for next year. We had Mass and BBQ for lunch prepared by Father Rocco in the spirit of fraternity. In the afternoon we went back to Chicago.
Wednesday, 24, 2006.
In the morning together with Wawan, I went to a store in Chinatown to buy some souvenirs for our family, confreres, and friends in Indonesia.
Thursday, May 25, 2006.
In the morning I went to CTU to take my document for traveling to Indonesia and I borrowed two more books. In the afternoon I cooked for my community (gado-gado, shrimp crackers and rice). I did laundry and ironed my clothes then watched DVD’s.
Friday, May 26, 2006.
Together with Alejandro,Wawan and Harno we went to Northside Chicago for shopping then we had lunch at Thai restaurant close to Lawrence. I ate Basil Duck. We went to downtown afterward and went back home by CTA. After the supper, Father Victor and I went to Indonesian prayer group at Rina and Budi’s house. There were 18 people coming at this weekly Bible group. Arrived home almost in the middle of the night I opened the Internet and saw the news of the earthquake/temblor in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I tried to call up Yogyakarta but I couldn’t make it.
Saturday, May 27, 2006.
In the morning Mass Father Adolph presided the Mass. At noon Mateus, svd picked me up and we went to the SVD’s house at Techny. At 3 p.m. there was ordination to priesthood of ten SVD’s and most of them are my classmates at CTU. I met at this celebration an Indonesian girl named Apriliani, from Jakarta, the member of weekend Choice in Jakarta, the 100th group. She has been in Singapore for 6.5 years and she just came yesterday in the USA and joined the Sister of the Holy Spirit (SSp.S). Afterward, I joined the Vietnamese gathering at the Novitiate of the SVD. I went home with the Redemptorists’ students. I called up Father Otello Pancani in the procuratore of the Xaverians in Jakarta and told him my schedule of arrival in Jakarta on Wednesday by JAL.
7th Sunday of Easter, May 28, 2006.
In the morning I went to St. Therese Church by CTA and we celebrated the Mass of the Sacrament of Confirmation that was presided by Bishop John Perry. There were 7 children at this bi-annualy event at this church. After we had hospitality at the basement and ate cake, I went to Lisa-Edi’s house. I went home at 3 p.m. At 6 p.m at our chapel we had evening prayer together with St. Therese (Father Michael) and Franklin Community (Fathers Alfredo, Larry, and Dominic). We had farewell party and dinner for Father Victor Bongiovanni who will depart to Italia then Sierra Leone in the early of June.
Tomorrow morning at 7 o’clock, Dharmawan and I go to Indonesia for vacation till 21 August. We go by Japan Airlines. From Chicago on Monday by JAL 9 at 10.55 morning and we arrive in Japan, Tokyo on Tuesday, 30 May, at 3 p.m. We stay at Nikko Hotel for a night and we continue to go to Jakarta by the flight number JAL 725 at 11.25 morning on Wednesday, May 31st and we arrive in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 31st at 4.50 p.m. The flight from Chicago to Tokyo takes 13 hours and Tokyo to Jakarta almost 8 hours.
After almost 4 years living in the USA, it’s the first time I go home to Indonesia. I feel that it’s all about grace that I have been receiving from God throuhg the Xaverians my family and I will meet my family and friends there…..
I still write my journal and hopefully I could post it in my blog and multiply when I am in Indonesia.
Good Bye Chicago…I will come back next 12 weeks…August 22, 2006 by flight number JAL 10 at 8.45 a.m.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Sunday, May 21, 2006
3rd letter of May 2006
6th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006
3rd letter of May 2006
3) 6th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006.
In the morning Mass I was joining the priests in my community to act as a deacon. At the same time in this Mass we prayed for Tatiana and Julius for their 22 years of their marriage. They were present among us as our friends in this Mass. After the breakfast, with the kindness and generosity of Dharmawan, my confrere and classmate, together with Tatiana-Julius, I went by red car to Chinatown to meet the seven New Yorkers friends (Frans, Jenny, Gisela, Cik Merry, Om Erdik and Tante Eli, and Yusiang). We went to Saint Peregrine Shrine then we went to Holy Hill Shrine in Wisconsin. We visited our Xaverian community in Franklin, Wisconsin. We’re welcomed warmly by Father Alfredo, Dominic, and Larry. I showed them that I had lived in this community in my first stay in the USA in 2002-2003. We had lunch at KFC in Wisconsin. Dharmawan and Frans took Tatiana-Julius to O’Hare airport and they returned back to Philadelphia. Many thanks for their presence and witness as they told many stories in the car. They are really a great witness of Christian family who hold the Christian values such as faithfulness and always have hope in God’s love. I accompanied the others went back to the hotel at Chinatown.
In the evening together with Dharmawan, I accompanied Frans to see Chicago by night. We took picture at Lake Michigan and downtown. We went back to Hyde Park and had supper. At 11.30 p.m. we took Frans to the hotel at Chinatown.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006.
In the morning after the Mass, Dharmawan and I came to meet the seven New Yorkers and they checked out of the hotel. We went to Lake Shore and took pictures there. We visited the National Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux at Darien, IL. At noon we had lunch at a Thai restaurant nearby O’Hare airport. At 3 p.m. they returned the van car they rent and we said goodbye to each others. Once again I give thanks to God and their presence and friendship. They have took part of my vocation journey here in the USA. May one day we meet again in different occasion and story. We went back again to Hyde Park and continue our daily life in our Xaverian community. At night after supper I typed this journal and finished the rest of my paper.
Wednesday, 17, 2006.
In the morning I went to CTU to submit my paper of Julian of Norwich. I went home and took a nap because I was so tired. I studied the answers of the questions of oral exam of Integrating Core (Liturgy, Spirituality, and Ecclesial Mission). At CTU we attended the closing Mass at 4.30 p.m. presided by Glen Murray, sj., an African American Jesuit. At night I studied the Integrating Core.
Thursday, May 18, 2006.
In the morning I studied the Integrating Core, then at 10 a.m. Ignas took me to CTU by car. I returned the 39 books I borrowed this semester. At 11.20 a.m. I had oral exam with Friar Gilberto, OFM (the Integrating Core). I could rest for a while in the afternoon, then I prepared food for supper (Hot Dog and salad). At 5 p.m. I took a walk to the synagogue to attend and to be part of the graduation. I have foreseen this event last year as I witnessed Petrus’ graduation last year, May 19th, 2005. There were about 70 people in this graduation in different degrees such as D.Min (Doctor of Ministry), MAPS, MA, M.Div, and certificates. I went home at 11 p.m.
Friday, May 19, 2006.
In the morning at 9 o’clock to noon we as community had evaluation of our community project of life. In the evening together with Father Victor, I came to St. Therese rectory to attend the Bible group sharing with some Indonesians (Jeffry Sutikno, Leny, Michael, and Darwin). I arrived home at 10 p.m. At night I called up the procurator of the Xaverians in Jakarta, Father Otello Pancani. I told him my arrival schedule in Jakarta on May 31st in Jakarta by JAL. At night I got the CD of the pictures of my ordination to diaconate. Father Kuntoro, sj who took the pictures (280) for me.
Saturday, May 20, 2006.
At 10 a.m. together with Wawan, Harno, and Father Rudi, osc, I went to the suburb to attend the hoome blessing of Natasya-Dave. It’s close to Mundelein. IN the afternoon I went to St. Therese to help out the Noodle’s Night at Saint Therese School till 10 p.m. I went back home with Alejandro.
6th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006.
In the morning I drove the green car with Atumisi, Valery, and Wawan to go to St. Therese. At 9.30 a.m. Mass I was helping Father Michael acting as deacon for the first time in the Sunday Mass. At 11 to 12, I was accompanying the Confirmation kids to rehearse the rite of confirmation at the church for next week. They are going to be confirmed by Bishop Perry on Sunday, May 28th. Together with Wawan, I went to Edi-Lisa’s house then we went to downtown to buy some souvenir. This night I transferred my pictures of the diaconate ordination to my shutterfly account (108 + 9 pictures).
3rd letter of May 2006
3) 6th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006
Monday, May 15, 2006.
In the morning Mass I was joining the priests in my community to act as a deacon. At the same time in this Mass we prayed for Tatiana and Julius for their 22 years of their marriage. They were present among us as our friends in this Mass. After the breakfast, with the kindness and generosity of Dharmawan, my confrere and classmate, together with Tatiana-Julius, I went by red car to Chinatown to meet the seven New Yorkers friends (Frans, Jenny, Gisela, Cik Merry, Om Erdik and Tante Eli, and Yusiang). We went to Saint Peregrine Shrine then we went to Holy Hill Shrine in Wisconsin. We visited our Xaverian community in Franklin, Wisconsin. We’re welcomed warmly by Father Alfredo, Dominic, and Larry. I showed them that I had lived in this community in my first stay in the USA in 2002-2003. We had lunch at KFC in Wisconsin. Dharmawan and Frans took Tatiana-Julius to O’Hare airport and they returned back to Philadelphia. Many thanks for their presence and witness as they told many stories in the car. They are really a great witness of Christian family who hold the Christian values such as faithfulness and always have hope in God’s love. I accompanied the others went back to the hotel at Chinatown.
In the evening together with Dharmawan, I accompanied Frans to see Chicago by night. We took picture at Lake Michigan and downtown. We went back to Hyde Park and had supper. At 11.30 p.m. we took Frans to the hotel at Chinatown.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006.
In the morning after the Mass, Dharmawan and I came to meet the seven New Yorkers and they checked out of the hotel. We went to Lake Shore and took pictures there. We visited the National Shrine of Saint Therese of Lisieux at Darien, IL. At noon we had lunch at a Thai restaurant nearby O’Hare airport. At 3 p.m. they returned the van car they rent and we said goodbye to each others. Once again I give thanks to God and their presence and friendship. They have took part of my vocation journey here in the USA. May one day we meet again in different occasion and story. We went back again to Hyde Park and continue our daily life in our Xaverian community. At night after supper I typed this journal and finished the rest of my paper.
Wednesday, 17, 2006.
In the morning I went to CTU to submit my paper of Julian of Norwich. I went home and took a nap because I was so tired. I studied the answers of the questions of oral exam of Integrating Core (Liturgy, Spirituality, and Ecclesial Mission). At CTU we attended the closing Mass at 4.30 p.m. presided by Glen Murray, sj., an African American Jesuit. At night I studied the Integrating Core.
Thursday, May 18, 2006.
In the morning I studied the Integrating Core, then at 10 a.m. Ignas took me to CTU by car. I returned the 39 books I borrowed this semester. At 11.20 a.m. I had oral exam with Friar Gilberto, OFM (the Integrating Core). I could rest for a while in the afternoon, then I prepared food for supper (Hot Dog and salad). At 5 p.m. I took a walk to the synagogue to attend and to be part of the graduation. I have foreseen this event last year as I witnessed Petrus’ graduation last year, May 19th, 2005. There were about 70 people in this graduation in different degrees such as D.Min (Doctor of Ministry), MAPS, MA, M.Div, and certificates. I went home at 11 p.m.
Friday, May 19, 2006.
In the morning at 9 o’clock to noon we as community had evaluation of our community project of life. In the evening together with Father Victor, I came to St. Therese rectory to attend the Bible group sharing with some Indonesians (Jeffry Sutikno, Leny, Michael, and Darwin). I arrived home at 10 p.m. At night I called up the procurator of the Xaverians in Jakarta, Father Otello Pancani. I told him my arrival schedule in Jakarta on May 31st in Jakarta by JAL. At night I got the CD of the pictures of my ordination to diaconate. Father Kuntoro, sj who took the pictures (280) for me.
Saturday, May 20, 2006.
At 10 a.m. together with Wawan, Harno, and Father Rudi, osc, I went to the suburb to attend the hoome blessing of Natasya-Dave. It’s close to Mundelein. IN the afternoon I went to St. Therese to help out the Noodle’s Night at Saint Therese School till 10 p.m. I went back home with Alejandro.
6th Sunday of Easter, May 21, 2006.
In the morning I drove the green car with Atumisi, Valery, and Wawan to go to St. Therese. At 9.30 a.m. Mass I was helping Father Michael acting as deacon for the first time in the Sunday Mass. At 11 to 12, I was accompanying the Confirmation kids to rehearse the rite of confirmation at the church for next week. They are going to be confirmed by Bishop Perry on Sunday, May 28th. Together with Wawan, I went to Edi-Lisa’s house then we went to downtown to buy some souvenir. This night I transferred my pictures of the diaconate ordination to my shutterfly account (108 + 9 pictures).
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
2nd letter of May 2006
5th Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006
2nd letter of May 2006
2) 5th Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006
Monday, May 08, 2006.
I had class of Natural Law then the Beguines. In the afternoon I finished my paper of Biblical Spirituality (20 pages) about the forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer. In the evening I attended the last class of this Biblical Spirituality and submitted my final paper.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006.
In the morning I made the bulletin of Integrating Core class about the Benediction then I typed my paper on Julian of Norwich.
Wednesday, 10, 2006.
I attended the last class of Natural Law taught by Fornasari then the last class of the Beguines by Paul Lachance. At night I was reading the books of Julian of Norwich for my final paper.
Thursday, May 11, 2006.
In the morning I attended the last class of Integrating Core in Spirituality, Liturgy, and Ecclesial Mission in which there’s Benediction service in the beginning at the 6th floor chapel. At 11 a.m. I had oral exam of Natural Law with Fornasari (20 minutes). I bought one day pass of CTA cards for my guests who will be coming this coming Saturday from New York City and Philadelphia.
Friday, May 12, 2006.
In the morning I was doing my final paper on Julian of Norwich. Father Rocco gave me one set of breviary (4 books). At my room I was reading of a book about the diaconate rite and history in the church and at night I was cleaning the stove at the kitchen.
Saturday, May 13, 2006.
We had Mass presided by Father Ivan, the provincial of SX in the USA. In the morning most of us came to St. Therese Church to prepare things for my diaconate ordination while Edi Liang and I went to O’Hare airport to pick up my guests: 7 Indonesians from New York City (Frans Slamet Mulyono, Jenny, Gisela, Yusiang, Cik Merry, Om Erdik and Tante Elisabeth) and one Indonesian couple from Philadelphia (Tatiana and Julius). They arrived at noon and we went to Saint Therese Church after the 7 New Yorkers checked-in at SRO hotel, right behind the Saint Therese Church. We had lunch at the basement of the church with the menu of Indonesian food that Tatiana cooked and brought from Philadelphia. Before I left to pick them up by Blue Line train, I had cooked rice. I continued to have piligrimage with them to Saint Jude National Shrine at the Southside of Chicago, on 91st Street. We went there by CTA red line and bus. Then, we went to visit the cathedral church at downtown Chicago and took a walk along the Michigan Avenue. We went back at Chinatown and had supper at a Chinese restaurant. It’s a wonderful day that I could meet again my friends whom I acquainted with two years ago when I did my pastoral experience in Philadelphia and spent 10 days in New York City. It’s because of the mutual friendship I have with Francis who knows the Xaverians in Indonesia. Thanks for him and for all of them who have made big effort to come to my celebration of diaconate ordination. I stayed at Saint Therese rectory and slept there.
5th Sunday of Easter, May 14, 2006.
In my sleeping at night I was dreaming of my diaconate ordination and I woke up early in the morning at 6 a.m. I welcomed the guests who came to my celebration including the bishop who came to the rectory in the morning. He’s Bishop John Gorman, 81 years old retired bishop who drives by himself coming to St. Therese Church. He asked me some questions friendly as a son to his grandfather. I just met him at this occasion. Before he came, Tatiana and her husband, Julius came to this church after they took a rest at our house at Hyde Park. Afterward, other guests came and I prepared myself to be ready on this celebration.
At 9.30 a.m. the Mass of my diaconate ordination started. Bit of nervous I entered in the procession with the bishop and other priests probably more than 12 in number. I tried my best to be conscious and aware of this important moment of my life. My experience of this ordination led me to see myself as a servant of God who has begun 10 years ago when I entered the Pre-Novitiate of Xaverians in Indonesia. It’s fulfillment is only God’s grace I have received from so many people along the way of formation both in Indonesia and the USA. I believe that many of my confreres and friends remembered me in their prayers on this special day of my life. When the bishop laid hand upon my head, I felt tremendously in awe and wonder and at the same time ‘mystically’ being transformed by the ‘power’ of the Holy Spirit. It is difficult to describe it in words but I could feel and sense that there’s something unusual happened in this occasion in which the bishop silently laid his hands heavily upon my head. Before that I was prostrate on the floor when the Litany of the Saints was sung. I heard of some friends saying that on this moment they were feeling touched almost tearing their eyes. I felt myself alert to sense the greatness of this rite that I surrender myself to God’s hands to this ecclesial ministry as deacon.
The celebration continued with the Eucharist and I was standing beside the bishop together with deacon Paul Han, svd. I served to distribute the communion to the congregation. I saw the church was packed by many people from CTU, my theological school in Chicago, the Indonesian groups, the parishioners of Saint Therese and other friends from other cities such as Milwaukee and Indiana.
The celebration continued with the sharing of roses to mothers because we celebrated as well the Mother’s Day in the USA.
In the celebration at the auditorium of Saint Therese School, I was impressed by so many people who came to enjoy this invitation. After Father Ivan, the provincial, Father Rocco my rector and Father Michael the pastor Saint Therese said some words to the people and the Bishop said blessing upon the food for lunch, I said some words to appreciate the goodness of those who are coming in this celebration. I recalled the homily of the bishop who said that as deacon I am becoming a minister of the Word of God, minister of the altar (worship), and minister of service to God’s people. As I mentioned this, I emphasized that this day was a wonderful day in which we coincidentally celebrated the Mother’s Day. Like in the Gospel I read, “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). It’s exactly that I believe that even though my family were not present in this occasion, but I am convinced that those who were coming to witness to this event are my brothers, my sisters, my fathers, and my mothers. I thanked heartfully to those who came from long distant like the seven Indonesian friends from New York City and one of them named Jenny presented her talent to dance Balinese dance that made people paid attention fully. I thank to the cantor (Nita) and the organist and pianist (Rita) who have worked hard to help me to make this event to be more solemn. I thank to all of them whom I might forget to recall one by one. Through their friendship and generosity I pray may God grant them with the abundant blesssing. I thank as well to my confreres who have worked hard to prepare this event in spite of their business of this end of semester with many paper and exams to be done. Of course, I thank to those who have served the food for this event. With the generosity of Ibu Imelda Palmas, who made the dessert, ‘es teler’ (the drunken ice), people enjoyed very much.
I went back to Hyde Park and we had welcoming event to my guests who came from far distant, namely the New Yorkers and the Philadelphians plus Edi and Lisa who have helped me to accompany them at their pilgrimage in Chicago.
We had evening prayer led by Valery and we introduced ourselves to each other. The hospitality and the supper with them made this welcoming moment was becoming into full. Ibu Tatiana from Philadelphia prepared meat ball soup, the special ingredients she made (Indonesian bakso) which was very good in aroma. Father Pascal prepared things for this supper and cooked the spaghetti. We enjoyed the conversation, singing, and dance.
Overall, God is good to me and to others. Through others I have received a lot of love and much attention has been given to me and since now I should pay in return to pray for them and in gratitude spirit I should keep in touch with them in the spirit and real-mutual friendship.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
1st letter of May 2006
4th Sunday of Easter, May 07, 2006
1st letter of May 2006
1) 4th Sunday of Easter, May 07, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006.
I attended the morning class: Natural Law and the Beguines. In the afternoon I led the lectio divina in our community and in the evening I attended the class of biblical spirituality. At night I did make photocopies of the booklet of my diaconate ordination.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006.
The whole morning I made photocopy of the booklets. There’re 250 copies and I have done it at 2 p.m. In the evening after the supper, I read a new Xaverian magazine from Indonesia made by the students at the philosophy. It’s wonderful edition that I ever know so far. I read it with my gladness and proud of being Indonesian Xaverian. It gave me bit fresh up date information about our confreres in Indonesia especially in the formation houses.
Wednesday, 03, 2006.
In the morning I attended the class of Natural Law then at 10 to 11.40 a.m. I attended at the courtyard of CTU, the lecture of a famous person, named Jean Vanier. Three courtyards were filled by many people. It’s a great sharing of thie L’Arch Community which concerns much to disabled brothers and sisters. Before noon I went to downtown at Saint Peter Church to have sacrament of reconciliation as my preparation to perpetual vows this coming Saturday then I went to Thompson Center to donate my blood, probably for the last time since after I return to the USA from my vacation to Indonesia I won’t be allowed to donate my blood due to Malaria risk in Indonesia. I may donate it after living continuously three years in the USA. In the afternoon I cooked hot dog and bean for my community.
Thursday, May 04, 2006.
This morning at the class of integrating core of spirituality and liturgy, with my group I did prayer service of home blessing in which I acted as a deacon. Upon arrival at home there was a guest, named Andrew (20) from California who came to visit and to know the Xaverians. In the afternoon Father Rocco made the booklet of my perpetual vows special for Father Ivan and I helped him to make it. At the holy hour at 5 p.m. I shared my reflection on the vow of chastity in answering the question of “HOW” the celibate chastity in the religious life. We had community meeting to share our ministerial experience during this almost a year. At night I typed my reflection of Mary and my Vocation to the Xaverians as I share on this journal (look at the very bottom of it). I typed as well my journal for this week.
Friday, May 05, 2006.
After having breakfast, accompanied by Valery as my driving instructor, together with Harno, I went to Franklin-Wisconsin by red car and at noon we arrived there. At night, Nita and Alejandro came as well as Wawan, Edi-Lisa, Mimi, and Michael.
Saturday, May 06, 2006.
I attended the morning prayer and the Mass at our chapel then we went to the chapel of Sacred Heart School of Theology at Hales Corners to attend the Mass of perpetual profession of my SCJ classmate, Thi Panh. There were about 260 people. After three years I graduated of this ESL program at this school, I came back to see the huge building again. We met an Indonesian priest of SCJ, named Yohanes. After having lunch there, we went back to Franklin, the Xaverian House. PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF DENNY WAHYUDI…myself…at our Xaverian chapel at Franklin-Knoll, Wisconsin at 4.30 p.m. concelebrated by the provincial superior, Father Ivan Marchesin and 9 other Xaverian priests (Rocco, Pascal, Victor Mosele, Victor Bongiovanni, Dominic, Larry, Willy, Adolph, and Alfredo as the musician/organist). I counted there were about 56 people altogether coming to this solemn event including 20 Indonesians. Joyfully and thankfully, I was taking part of this 1.45 hours Mass in giving us my entire life to the Xaverian family. I am supported by many people who were present at this simple celebration as well as those who were not present and remembering me on this special day. The celebration followed by supper and hospitality. At this Mass, I received a mission cross as a symbol of my commitment to go to mission wherever my superior asks me to go and I will carry this cross as reminder of my vows to God in the midst of my Xaverian confreres and witnessed by those who love me and support me on this vocation.
4th Sunday of Easter, May 07, 2006.
At 7.30 a.m. we (Pascal Atumisi, Valery, and I) went to St. Therese Church. I attended the 9.30 Mass, the Cantonese one presided by Father Tim. At 11 to 12 p.m. Cesare was teaching the confirmation program. At 12.30 p.m. Valery and I went back to our house. After taking a nap in the afternoon, I typed this journal.
At night I got a phone call from Mother Oey in Jakarta congratulated me for my final vows. From 9 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. I was typing my paper on the Lord’s Prayer (Forgiveness).
MARY IN MY LIFE AND VOCATION
Reflecting my life and vocation in the Xaverian missionaries, I never forget my experience with my Catholic neighbors praying rosary in every May and October. Apparently, this occasion formed me to answer the vocation that I am living it out now in the Xaverian Missionaries toward missionary-religious-priesthood.
Moving in a new rented-house with my family located on Halim Perdanakusuma Street, when I was in the second grade of Junior High School in 1988, obviously determined my future life and idea to be a priest. In this house also, in one evening some catechists came to my house offering to my father whether we, as his children wanted to be catechumens and to be baptized in the Catholic Church. One of the catechists named Joko is a catechist who works now in Muara Siberut- Mentawai, the mission of Xaverian Missionaries where I met him as I visited Mentawai before I entered Xaverian in 1996. My Father agreed and finally I learned catechism in a convent of nuns, the Missionary of Claris from the Blessed Sacrament (MC), originally from Mexico, not far from my house. This convent has a shrine of Mary with a gorgeous mosaic depicts the Lady of Guadalupe, and then I knew that she is the patron of the American continent. Actually, my parents married in a Catholic Church in my hometown in 1970 but none of their children were baptized. My mother was Catholic then converted to be a Protestant and my father is not Catholic and he professes no religion at all until now. After almost two years I learned to be a catechumen, then I was baptized on December 24, 1990, as a 16 year-old boy. Even though, I was baptized an adult, I already knew some Catholic teachings from my Catholic schools since kindergarten at Saint Bernard, which belongs to the Ursula Sisters and primary school at Saint Joseph, which belongs to Saint Aloysius Brothers. When I studied in both schools, I always mentioned that I was Protestant like my mother but after I went to Junior High School in public school, I decided to be Catholic because I used to know Catholic teaching, not Protestant who were always memorizing some verses of the Scriptures. Probably, with the influence and life example of my oldest sister and my grandmother (mother of my father) who lived in our family after my mother passed away, I decided to be Catholic. They were baptized first in the Catholic Church then I followed them.
My grandma always invited me to accompany her to pray the rosary with our Catholic neighbors. Her baptismal name is Maria; also my mother's name is Anna Maria. It is not a coincidence that both of my close female relatives had the same name, Mary. My mother passed away when I was nine and my grandma died as well when I was 18 years old. My first willingness and thought to be a priest was when I went on a pilgrimage to a Shrine of our Lady Mary in 'Gua Kerep' Ambarawa, Central Java with some parishioners of my Church, Saint Cornelius, Madiun in May 1991. Joining the evening prayer in a Trappist (OCSO) convent in Salatiga before going home, I was impressed by the sisters who prayed the evening prayer solemnly and the variety of their origins. At that time, my heart and my mind always urged me to be like them, to be a priest. I had such a strong eagerness to answer this call but after on the way to my hometown, I thought that it was impossible to me. Afterward, in the rosary prayer with my Catholic neighbors, a lady approached me and said to me, "You are worthy to be a priest, I will pray for you." It recalled me that my previous desire on thought to be a priest but I had denied it. At that time, I did not know anything about a vocation to be a priest then I asked my grandma whether I could be a priest. But, my grandma answered me, "No, do not be a priest because it will add our sins." Ignoring her answer, I tried to search for this sort of vocation and I found a Catholic magazine, HIDUP, when I prayed rosary in the house of the lady who told me that I was able to be a priest. From this magazine I came to know the Xaverian Missionaries and I sent a letter to the vocation director, Father Silvano Laurenzi, SX in Yogyakarta. These stories drew me, eventually, to answer radically God's call in the Xaverian Missionaries after I had waited for a proper time and postponed this vocation.
It is not a coincidence but providence that my call to the Xaverian Missionaries is from the chronicle-story-chain of my young life involving with my Catholic neighbors and Mary as my intercessor to this call. I believe Mary always accompanies me on this spiritual journey that finally led me to the Xaverian Missionaries after I had worked for three years, 1993 to 1996, in Jakarta.
The founder of the Xaverian Missionaries, Blessed Guido Maria Conforti had a spiritual experience with Mary of Fontanellato (Italy) whom he believed to be the intercessor of his healing. Even, in the Xaverian Constitution number 49 written, "Mary, mother of the Lord and the Church, has a singular role in the history of salvation. We look to her as the attentive Virgin who harbors the Word of God within. She transmits it with courage and simplicity. She is ever mindful of others' needs." And, in number 49.1: "The Rosary: In Christian tradition one of the most popular and revered Marian devotions is the rosary. We recommend its frequent use." In the formula of renewal of vows in the Xaverian missionaries, I found a correlation to Mary as it is written at the end of the formula, "Grant me, Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, your assistance so that my whole life, free from evil, may be a gift and sign of your love to all."
Since I have strong devotion to Mary, before I went to the Pre-Novitiate of the Xaverian to have a test in February 1996, I went to the statue of Mary at the Cathedral Church in Jakarta. In my prayer over there I surrendered myself through her so that what I had decided at that time was really God’s will and I had conviction that it’s going to be O.K. When I got stuck of getting my visa to come to the USA in 2002, I asked special prayer of Mary through my confreres who went to Mexico City to study theology in the same year. They are Maryono and Setyawan. I asked them to pray to our Lady of Guadalupe for this intention.
Like Mary who lived in the midst of the disciples of Jesus, my vocation also grew from the Catholic community of my neighbors who were strongly devoted to Mary. This Catholic community is named after Mary as well and I will never forget the origin of my vocation to be a priest from this community. The rosary prayer that leads me to contemplate the mysteries of Jesus is always my prayer before going to bed at night. With Mary in the midst of the Catholic community that initiates, develops and nurtures my vocation to be a Catholic and then my particular vocation, missionary-religious-priesthood, I praise and thank God for this beauty of vocation story that I privilege to have.
1st letter of May 2006
1) 4th Sunday of Easter, May 07, 2006
Monday, May 01, 2006.
I attended the morning class: Natural Law and the Beguines. In the afternoon I led the lectio divina in our community and in the evening I attended the class of biblical spirituality. At night I did make photocopies of the booklet of my diaconate ordination.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006.
The whole morning I made photocopy of the booklets. There’re 250 copies and I have done it at 2 p.m. In the evening after the supper, I read a new Xaverian magazine from Indonesia made by the students at the philosophy. It’s wonderful edition that I ever know so far. I read it with my gladness and proud of being Indonesian Xaverian. It gave me bit fresh up date information about our confreres in Indonesia especially in the formation houses.
Wednesday, 03, 2006.
In the morning I attended the class of Natural Law then at 10 to 11.40 a.m. I attended at the courtyard of CTU, the lecture of a famous person, named Jean Vanier. Three courtyards were filled by many people. It’s a great sharing of thie L’Arch Community which concerns much to disabled brothers and sisters. Before noon I went to downtown at Saint Peter Church to have sacrament of reconciliation as my preparation to perpetual vows this coming Saturday then I went to Thompson Center to donate my blood, probably for the last time since after I return to the USA from my vacation to Indonesia I won’t be allowed to donate my blood due to Malaria risk in Indonesia. I may donate it after living continuously three years in the USA. In the afternoon I cooked hot dog and bean for my community.
Thursday, May 04, 2006.
This morning at the class of integrating core of spirituality and liturgy, with my group I did prayer service of home blessing in which I acted as a deacon. Upon arrival at home there was a guest, named Andrew (20) from California who came to visit and to know the Xaverians. In the afternoon Father Rocco made the booklet of my perpetual vows special for Father Ivan and I helped him to make it. At the holy hour at 5 p.m. I shared my reflection on the vow of chastity in answering the question of “HOW” the celibate chastity in the religious life. We had community meeting to share our ministerial experience during this almost a year. At night I typed my reflection of Mary and my Vocation to the Xaverians as I share on this journal (look at the very bottom of it). I typed as well my journal for this week.
Friday, May 05, 2006.
After having breakfast, accompanied by Valery as my driving instructor, together with Harno, I went to Franklin-Wisconsin by red car and at noon we arrived there. At night, Nita and Alejandro came as well as Wawan, Edi-Lisa, Mimi, and Michael.
Saturday, May 06, 2006.
I attended the morning prayer and the Mass at our chapel then we went to the chapel of Sacred Heart School of Theology at Hales Corners to attend the Mass of perpetual profession of my SCJ classmate, Thi Panh. There were about 260 people. After three years I graduated of this ESL program at this school, I came back to see the huge building again. We met an Indonesian priest of SCJ, named Yohanes. After having lunch there, we went back to Franklin, the Xaverian House. PERPETUAL PROFESSION OF DENNY WAHYUDI…myself…at our Xaverian chapel at Franklin-Knoll, Wisconsin at 4.30 p.m. concelebrated by the provincial superior, Father Ivan Marchesin and 9 other Xaverian priests (Rocco, Pascal, Victor Mosele, Victor Bongiovanni, Dominic, Larry, Willy, Adolph, and Alfredo as the musician/organist). I counted there were about 56 people altogether coming to this solemn event including 20 Indonesians. Joyfully and thankfully, I was taking part of this 1.45 hours Mass in giving us my entire life to the Xaverian family. I am supported by many people who were present at this simple celebration as well as those who were not present and remembering me on this special day. The celebration followed by supper and hospitality. At this Mass, I received a mission cross as a symbol of my commitment to go to mission wherever my superior asks me to go and I will carry this cross as reminder of my vows to God in the midst of my Xaverian confreres and witnessed by those who love me and support me on this vocation.
4th Sunday of Easter, May 07, 2006.
At 7.30 a.m. we (Pascal Atumisi, Valery, and I) went to St. Therese Church. I attended the 9.30 Mass, the Cantonese one presided by Father Tim. At 11 to 12 p.m. Cesare was teaching the confirmation program. At 12.30 p.m. Valery and I went back to our house. After taking a nap in the afternoon, I typed this journal.
At night I got a phone call from Mother Oey in Jakarta congratulated me for my final vows. From 9 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. I was typing my paper on the Lord’s Prayer (Forgiveness).
MARY IN MY LIFE AND VOCATION
Reflecting my life and vocation in the Xaverian missionaries, I never forget my experience with my Catholic neighbors praying rosary in every May and October. Apparently, this occasion formed me to answer the vocation that I am living it out now in the Xaverian Missionaries toward missionary-religious-priesthood.
Moving in a new rented-house with my family located on Halim Perdanakusuma Street, when I was in the second grade of Junior High School in 1988, obviously determined my future life and idea to be a priest. In this house also, in one evening some catechists came to my house offering to my father whether we, as his children wanted to be catechumens and to be baptized in the Catholic Church. One of the catechists named Joko is a catechist who works now in Muara Siberut- Mentawai, the mission of Xaverian Missionaries where I met him as I visited Mentawai before I entered Xaverian in 1996. My Father agreed and finally I learned catechism in a convent of nuns, the Missionary of Claris from the Blessed Sacrament (MC), originally from Mexico, not far from my house. This convent has a shrine of Mary with a gorgeous mosaic depicts the Lady of Guadalupe, and then I knew that she is the patron of the American continent. Actually, my parents married in a Catholic Church in my hometown in 1970 but none of their children were baptized. My mother was Catholic then converted to be a Protestant and my father is not Catholic and he professes no religion at all until now. After almost two years I learned to be a catechumen, then I was baptized on December 24, 1990, as a 16 year-old boy. Even though, I was baptized an adult, I already knew some Catholic teachings from my Catholic schools since kindergarten at Saint Bernard, which belongs to the Ursula Sisters and primary school at Saint Joseph, which belongs to Saint Aloysius Brothers. When I studied in both schools, I always mentioned that I was Protestant like my mother but after I went to Junior High School in public school, I decided to be Catholic because I used to know Catholic teaching, not Protestant who were always memorizing some verses of the Scriptures. Probably, with the influence and life example of my oldest sister and my grandmother (mother of my father) who lived in our family after my mother passed away, I decided to be Catholic. They were baptized first in the Catholic Church then I followed them.
My grandma always invited me to accompany her to pray the rosary with our Catholic neighbors. Her baptismal name is Maria; also my mother's name is Anna Maria. It is not a coincidence that both of my close female relatives had the same name, Mary. My mother passed away when I was nine and my grandma died as well when I was 18 years old. My first willingness and thought to be a priest was when I went on a pilgrimage to a Shrine of our Lady Mary in 'Gua Kerep' Ambarawa, Central Java with some parishioners of my Church, Saint Cornelius, Madiun in May 1991. Joining the evening prayer in a Trappist (OCSO) convent in Salatiga before going home, I was impressed by the sisters who prayed the evening prayer solemnly and the variety of their origins. At that time, my heart and my mind always urged me to be like them, to be a priest. I had such a strong eagerness to answer this call but after on the way to my hometown, I thought that it was impossible to me. Afterward, in the rosary prayer with my Catholic neighbors, a lady approached me and said to me, "You are worthy to be a priest, I will pray for you." It recalled me that my previous desire on thought to be a priest but I had denied it. At that time, I did not know anything about a vocation to be a priest then I asked my grandma whether I could be a priest. But, my grandma answered me, "No, do not be a priest because it will add our sins." Ignoring her answer, I tried to search for this sort of vocation and I found a Catholic magazine, HIDUP, when I prayed rosary in the house of the lady who told me that I was able to be a priest. From this magazine I came to know the Xaverian Missionaries and I sent a letter to the vocation director, Father Silvano Laurenzi, SX in Yogyakarta. These stories drew me, eventually, to answer radically God's call in the Xaverian Missionaries after I had waited for a proper time and postponed this vocation.
It is not a coincidence but providence that my call to the Xaverian Missionaries is from the chronicle-story-chain of my young life involving with my Catholic neighbors and Mary as my intercessor to this call. I believe Mary always accompanies me on this spiritual journey that finally led me to the Xaverian Missionaries after I had worked for three years, 1993 to 1996, in Jakarta.
The founder of the Xaverian Missionaries, Blessed Guido Maria Conforti had a spiritual experience with Mary of Fontanellato (Italy) whom he believed to be the intercessor of his healing. Even, in the Xaverian Constitution number 49 written, "Mary, mother of the Lord and the Church, has a singular role in the history of salvation. We look to her as the attentive Virgin who harbors the Word of God within. She transmits it with courage and simplicity. She is ever mindful of others' needs." And, in number 49.1: "The Rosary: In Christian tradition one of the most popular and revered Marian devotions is the rosary. We recommend its frequent use." In the formula of renewal of vows in the Xaverian missionaries, I found a correlation to Mary as it is written at the end of the formula, "Grant me, Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, your assistance so that my whole life, free from evil, may be a gift and sign of your love to all."
Since I have strong devotion to Mary, before I went to the Pre-Novitiate of the Xaverian to have a test in February 1996, I went to the statue of Mary at the Cathedral Church in Jakarta. In my prayer over there I surrendered myself through her so that what I had decided at that time was really God’s will and I had conviction that it’s going to be O.K. When I got stuck of getting my visa to come to the USA in 2002, I asked special prayer of Mary through my confreres who went to Mexico City to study theology in the same year. They are Maryono and Setyawan. I asked them to pray to our Lady of Guadalupe for this intention.
Like Mary who lived in the midst of the disciples of Jesus, my vocation also grew from the Catholic community of my neighbors who were strongly devoted to Mary. This Catholic community is named after Mary as well and I will never forget the origin of my vocation to be a priest from this community. The rosary prayer that leads me to contemplate the mysteries of Jesus is always my prayer before going to bed at night. With Mary in the midst of the Catholic community that initiates, develops and nurtures my vocation to be a Catholic and then my particular vocation, missionary-religious-priesthood, I praise and thank God for this beauty of vocation story that I privilege to have.
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