SupportFather Andito and his mission!

Father Andito was born in 1990 in Larat, a small town on the Tanimbar Islands (Indonesia). The archipelago is part of the Moluccas and lies around 1000 kilometres north of Australia.

Andito is the youngest of five children. All of his older siblings, one brother and three sisters, are married and have families of their own. Only his parents and his eldest sister’s daughter still live at home.

Growing up in a religious family that was strongly influenced by the values of Christian faith and education, Andito was raised in a strict but loving environment from an early age. His parents, both teachers, never missed Sunday mass and led a devoted religious life.Their discipline and commitment to a good education, especially for their own children, left a deep impression on Andito and his siblings. This upbringing in a religious lifestyle and a strong learning culture laid the foundation for Andito’s later vocation.

‘My parents taught me that faith and education go hand in hand. They were my first contact with the church and taught me how important it is to combine these two aspects in life.’

Vocation to the priesthood

Even as a child, Andito was interested in the priesthood. When he was naughty as a boy, his parents patiently corrected him. As an altar boy, he helped the priest during Holy Mass and other services. Father Andito cannot remember any particular vocation experience, but knows that he always wanted to become a priest. He was inspired by his parents and his parish priest. He wanted to help fulfil the spiritual needs of many people. He was finally ordained a priest in Ambon in February 2019.

At the Altomonte College of Priests, Rome.

‘The desire to become a priest came naturally. I wanted to help people and fulfil their spiritual needs. My parents and my priest were my greatest role models.’

Christian Life in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Catholics are a small minority. According to the 2022 census, around 20 million of the 275 million inhabitants are Catholics, which is just under 7.5% of the total population. Around 114,000 Catholics live in the diocese of Amboina, which covers the provinces of Maluku and North Maluku, and are looked after by around 100 priests. The 47 parishes of the diocese are spread over 200 islands.

Despite its small size, the Catholic Church in Indonesia has a significant impact on society through its schools, hospitals and social organisations. The church plays an important role and has a strong voice that reaches beyond the Catholic community.

Father Andito is facing the challenge of increasing secularisation. Young people in particular are slowly leaving the Catholic faith and turning to other faiths. Added to this are moral decline and spiritual fatigue. His aim is to strengthen the diocesan systems in order to create a resilient church that can withstand these challenges.

‘At a time of increasing secularisation and moral decline, it is our task to strengthen faith and Christian values. I want to build a church that is resilient and gives people stability.’

Training and future plans

Father Andito is currently studying communication at the Pontifical University of Santa Croce in Rome. He has set himself the goal of better communicating the faith and the truth of God and meeting the demands of today’s world.

‘My studies in Rome have given me a new perspective on the world and the faith. I am determined to use the knowledge and skills I am acquiring here to better serve my faithful.’

Father Andito in the multi-media studio at the University of Santa Croce.

After completing his studies, Father Andito hopes to work with his bishop and his brothers in the priesthood to strengthen the church in his home country and meet the challenges of the times. He dreams of one day building a new church in his home town and uniting the faithful there. The people in the diaspora are particularly close to his heart. He wants to reach them and build a media communication network to better support them.

‘I dream of building a new church in my home town, a place where people can come together and strengthen their faith. A church that meets the challenges of modern life with a deeply rooted faith.’

A deeply rooted faith

During the coronavirus pandemic, which broke out shortly after he took office, Father Andito remained faithful to his ministry. Even when he fell seriously ill with COVID-19, he found comfort and healing in prayer. Especially during a particularly severe phase of his illness, he spent a lot of time in the chapel and prayed intensively.

‘One night, when the pain was almost unbearable, I felt a deep connection to God. I asked for strength and healing. This prayer not only brought me physical relief, but also strengthened my faith enormously. It was a spiritual experience that strengthened me in my vocation and showed me that faith really can move mountains.’

Love of nature and hobbies

In addition to his ministry, Father Andito also has a deep love of nature. He enjoys swimming in the small bay in his home town and boating with his friends. Andito also loves fishing and uses this time to find peace and quiet. These activities not only offer him relaxation, but also the opportunity to experience the beauty of God’s creation and take a closer look at it.

‘I love spending time in nature. It reminds me of the beauty and magnificence of God’s creation. These moments give me strength and inspiration for my work.’

Excursion of priests from Collegio Altomonte to Subiaco, February 2024.

Father Andito is a shining example of a priest who lives his faith and works tirelessly to strengthen and enrich the Christian community. His life and work are a testimony to the power of faith and the importance of community in the face of challenges.

The support he receives is invaluable to him and enables him to pursue his mission with even greater commitment.

‘Without the support of benefactors, my mission would not be possible. I am deeply grateful for their generosity and prayers.’