Work with Jesus to save all, Cardinal tells priests

By Konradus Epa, Jakarta

Priests from Jakarta archdiocese during a Mass to conclude the Year for Priests

Priests must be loyal co-workers of Jesus and his instruments to save all, Indonesian Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja told Jakarta clerics in a homily concluding the Year for Priests in the archdiocese.

“Be faithful to individual prayers, put away personal interests, and make sure that every Catholic is served,” Cardinal Darmaatmadja told 100 clergy and 300 nuns and laypeople attending the June 14 Mass at the Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral in Central Jakarta.

“Your main task as priests is to be loyal co-workers of Jesus and his instruments so as to save all people,” the prelate said.

“If a priest faces problems, other priests must support him,” he added. “Showing true brotherhood will inspire our people.”

The cardinal also called on priests, nuns and laypeople in the archdiocese to focus their efforts on a renewed mission in society.

After the Mass, Jesuit Father Maximianus Sriyanto from St. Mary’s Church in Tangerang, Banten province, told ucanews.com that priests must also support laypeople in mingling with people of other faith.

“Priests play important role in encouraging laypeople to dialogue with other religious followers,” Father Sriyanto said.

Cardinal Darmaatmadja also insisted on dialogue in a pastoral letter read at Sunday Masses on June 14.

He encouraged priests to improve basic ecclesial communities as the best locus for interreligious dialogue.

Jakarta archdiocese now has about 250 priests serving 461,455 Catholics.