The Augustinian Recollect Russell Lapidez (Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Mindanao, Philippines, 1977) accompanies the Catholic community of the Parish of St. Augustine of Hippo (West Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia), a country that recently welcomed Pope Francis.
The Augustinian Recollects of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, based in the Philippines, arrived in Borneo (Indonesia) six years ago. Three Recollect religious, to whom a fourth will soon join, serve the Parish of St. Augustine in West Kalimantan, a region where there is a significant Catholic presence.
From this parish entrusted by the local Church, the Recollect religious serve a large area with several scattered Catholic communities.
In Indonesia, where Catholicism represents only 3% of the population, Pope Francis was on an official visit from 3 to 5 September.
After meeting with the civil authorities of the country, representatives of Islam (the majority religion), members of the consecrated life and the Catholic clergy and agents of the socio-pastoral work of the Church, the Pope concluded this pastoral visit with a great Eucharist at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
We asked the Augustinian Recollect Russell Lapidez, who is one of the founders of the Recollect missionary community in Indonesia, about the papal visit and the contribution of the Augustinian Recollect charism in the country.
1. What has the Pope’s visit to the country meant? How have Catholics and non-Catholics received you?
After 35 years since Pope John Paul II visited Indonesia, the Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis in this multiethnic nation revitalized the faith of the Catholics who are considered as minority comparatively to Muslims who are 87% of the population.
The visit of the Pope also highlighted the religious tolerance in Indonesia when Pope Francis had a meeting with the Grand Imam at Jakarta.
But what really touched the hearts of many Indonesians —even the non-Catholics— was the humility of Pope Francis which clearly seen on how he had chosen his mode of transportation and accomodation throughout his stay in Indonesia.
Indeed, the visit of the Pope increased the respect of the Indonesian government to the Catholic Church which is known for her charitable works all over the country, especially to the places the government can not reach.
2. How did Catholics prepare for the Pope’s visit?
The Commission on Papal Visit, formed by Catholic Bishops Conference of Indonesia, mandated to all parishes under the Archdiocese of Pontianak to send 10 representatives to attend the Apostolic Mass at Jakarta.
Among the Parishioners of Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish there were only nine faithful who volunteered to attend the Apostolic Mass. For security reason and to facilitate their entry to the venue, their names and some informations were submitted to the Commission.
Meanwhile, for those who have stayed, there was a live streaming of the Holy Mass inside the Parish Church. The Holy Communion was also given to those who participated.
3. What is Indonesian society like? Do you think they may have a natural approach towards Christian and Recollect values?
The Indonesian society is multicultural. But what is very distinct to each ethnic group, particularly to those who dwell at Kalimantan Island, where the Augustinian Recollects presence is located, is there being a family oriented people.
They value hardwork and common goods. Their culture is also receptive to Christian faith. With these natural characteristics of the people, the Recollect Missionaries find it easy to introduce the Augustinian Values to them.
4. What do you think the Augustinian-Recollect Family can contribute in Indonesia?
When the Augustinian Recollect arrived at West Kalimantan the Catholic faith was already planted in the hearts of the people by the Dutch Franciscan Missionaries.
However, due to lack of priests to shepherd them, many became nominal Catholics and others joined different Christian dominations or converted to Islam religion.
With the establishment of Saint Augustine of Hippo Parish, the religious situation of the people slowly changes. The Catholics in the villages that had not been visited by priests for more than five years are now regularly visited at least once a month.
There were converts from Protestant Churches and Islam religion who asked for Baptism. Certainly, the faithful are really longing for spiritual nourishment.
The formation of the different Church organizations just like the Parish Youths, Catholic Women and Catholic Men groups became the entry point to introduce the Augustinian Values such as community and interiority to the people.
Surely, the formative process will take time, but what matter is consistency.
