ABOUT ICF

ICF was officially formed in March 1995 as a result of the yearning  faith from the people who wanted to hold a Mass in Indonesian language and culture.

It was initiated by 4 families, namely the family of Alm. Mr. Ignatius & Mrs. Joyce Suroso, Willy Lim & Mellania Lim family, the Sonny and Mila Adiwinata family,  the Alex Oei & Julia Oei family and also 4 students from Indonesia: Vivi Wirawan, Yohana Soemitro, Susan Djoni, and Imelda Anggraini. The community was initially led by Father Stephen Ndun SVD at St Cecilia Church, College Street, Hamilton, and then replaced by Father Hubert Ghewa SVD.

This longing for faith and noble intentions motivated the high enthusiasm of the pioneer families to look for other Catholics, so that on 16 February 1997 the first ICF Board of Committee was formed for the period 1997-1998.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

This verse became my life motto in living this pilgrimage of life both as a person and as a Capuchin priest.

I was born March 13, 1980 as the eldest of seven children in a devout Catholic family.

Jesus' parable about weeds, wheat and fishing for fish is very familiar to my ears because my parents are farmers. After school hours, I often help my parents in the rice fields and fishing. Because of that I didn't have much time to play games on a computer or iPad because at that time it wasn't affordable.

I went to a state elementary and junior high school, or what we call a public school, which is close to home so I could go on foot, but during my high school years I went to a Catholic school with a boarding house. My mother told me to be a good person and concentrate on studying to prepare for the future. I am very happy to be in this place because apart from not being exposed to the sun anymore in the fields I also have many friends to learn new things and even seem strange but I am really grateful for it.

I think it was during high school that I found my calling to be a Capuchin priest. I got along quite a lot with the parish priest, brother Budi Mulia and the OSF sisters. I often take part as an altar boy, a reader on Sundays and help clean up the church. I was also active in Areka and Mudika and finally decided to join the Sibolga Capuchin Postulant after graduating from high school.

I lived my Capuchin formation period from 1997 to July 2008 happily and without many significant obstacles until July 21, 2007 I made my Perpetual Vows for life in Sibolga while I received the Deacon ordination from the Bishop of Sibolga diocese Mgr Dr. Ludovicus Simanullang, OFMCap on August 20, 2008.

After serving the diaconate for several months, on April 23, 2009 the same bishop ordained me as a priest along with seven other brothers. This is the most ordinations the diocese has ever seen.

I am very happy as a Capuchin priest, I have never regretted going down this path even though there were so many challenges and obstacles because I believe He is the one who started the good work in me. He is also the one who will continue and will finish it. I'm really proud. Proud to be in your community so I learned and am also taught by you.