Jesuit Alumni Worldwide Called to Build “New Bethanies” at Opening of WUJA Congress in Indonesia

BANTUL, Indonesia – Jesuit alumni from around the world were invited to become builders of “new Bethanies”—communities rooted in prayer, solidarity, and shared mission—as the 11th World Union of Jesuit Alumni (WUJA) Congress opened with a Eucharistic celebration at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Ganjuran, Bantul, on July 29.

Presiding over the opening Mass, Fr. Albertus Bagus Laksana, SJ, Provincial of the Indonesian Jesuits, said the international gathering is more than a reunion of alumni. It is an opportunity to deepen their encounter with Christ and renew their commitment to serve the Church and society together.

Drawing on the Gospel account of Jesus’ visit to Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in Bethany, Fr. Bagus described Ganjuran as a modern-day “Bethany”—a place where people from different cultures, nations, and religious traditions meet God and one another in friendship and hospitality.

He explained that Ganjuran itself embodies this spirit of encounter. Built through the vision of the Schmutzer family in partnership with the Jesuits, the mission combined evangelization with education, healthcare, social services, agriculture, and economic development, demonstrating that faith must embrace every dimension of human life.

Fr. Bagus also highlighted the church’s unique architecture, where Christian symbols are expressed through Javanese, Hindu, and Buddhist artistic traditions. For him, the sanctuary stands as a living testimony that the Gospel can take root in local cultures while fostering dialogue across religious and cultural boundaries.

“The world today longs for peace, meaning, and authentic human relationships,” he said, urging participants to move beyond admiration of Ganjuran’s architecture toward a deeper spiritual encounter with God that bears fruit in solidarity and service.

Concluding his homily, Fr. Bagus challenged Jesuit alumni to follow the examples of Mary and Martha by combining contemplation with active service. He called on them to build “new Bethanies” wherever they live—places where people experience welcome, reconciliation, and hope through shared mission.

“Our vocation is to build another Bethany wherever we are: a place of encounter, a place of witness, and a place of solidarity,” he said, emphasizing that Christ’s mission is always a shared mission carried out through collaboration between Jesuits and lay partners.

The 11th WUJA Congress, held from July 29 to August 2 in Yogyakarta, brings together thousands of Jesuit alumni from across the globe under the theme “Rooted in Grace, Welcomed into Mission.” Through prayer, dialogue, and discernment, participants seek to strengthen their commitment to serving the Church and responding creatively to the challenges facing today’s world.