On July 2–3, 2024, the Prior Provincial, Fr. Andrew Batayola, OSA, commenced the Visitation for Renewal in the Province, beginning with the Santo Niño Residence in Ketapang, Indonesia. The current parish priest and superior of the residence is Fr. Yohanis Salomon Sedik, OSA, assisted by Fr. Fransiskus Mba’a, OSA, and Fr. Alberto Jr. Cardenio Bartiana, OSA. Also part of the residence are a simply professed friar, Fray Isidorus Della Kambuaya, OSA, and an aspirant to the Vicariate.
The apostolic work of the residence includes chaplaincy at a hospital and a school administered by the Augustinian Sisters of Divine Mercy, with whom the friars have been working closely since May 11, 2018. The friars also provide pastoral care to Emmanuel Catholic Church of Sukadana Parish which comprises 19 mission stations.
The visitation began on July 2 with a communal prayer, followed by individual dialogues with the members of the residence. A simultaneous inspection of the community’s canonical books was conducted by the Provincial Treasurer and Provincial Secretary. This was followed by a community dialogue and concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist in the residence’s chapel.
On July 3, Fr. Batayola met with the community’s collaborators, particularly the Augustinian Sisters of Divine Mercy. He also visited together with the confreres and sisters of the Augustinian family, the contemplative nuns residing at the Manjau mission station of Sukadana Parish. Fr. Batayola also engaged in a dialogue with lay collaborators of the Parish.
In accordance with Constitutions No. 279, the visitation of renewal is to be conducted by a major superior at least twice in each four-year period, or by the Prior General at least once during his term of office. The goals of the visitation include promoting the well-being of each community and individual friar, reviewing and encouraging various aspects of religious and apostolic life, and addressing any irregularities in observance.
This canonical visitation by Fr. Batayola marks the renewal of communal presence and pastoral work of the Augustinians in Ketapang, Indonesia. This mission was entrusted to the Province of Santo Niño de Cebu on August 12, 2019, by the Diocese of Ketapang, in collaboration with the friars of the Vicariate of Christus-Totus Papua.
