On Monday, 14th November 2011, John Paul II Foundation Indonesia celebrated the 30th anniversary of the worldwide John Paul II Foundation. The Eucharistic celebration, which was followed by a reception, was held in Jakarta and presided by Mgr Petrus Turang (archbishop of Kupang) with concelebrants: Mgr Petrus Canisius Mandagi MSC (bishop of Amboina), Mgr Josef Suwatan MSC (bishop of Manado), Mgr Julio Mencucini CP (bishop of Sanggau), Mgr Petrus Timang (bishop of Banjarmasin), Mgr Justinus Hardjasusanto MSF (bishop of Tanjung Selor), Father Terry Ponomban and Father Johanes Mangkey MSC. The celebration was attended by over 100 friends of the Foundation and board members.

In his introduction to the Eucharistic celebration Mgr Petrus Turang mentioned the Blessed John Paul II as the man of peace and reconciliation and continued saying: “he upholds and defends human dignity of every person beyond one’s religion or race.”

In his homily Mgr P.C. Mandagi MSC underlined the example of life and service of John Paul II and its relevance in the present world. Today’s world is often coloured by falseness and artificiality of life. John Paul II has led us, humanity and the whole world to live the true life in Christ, while respecting everyone’s human dignity.

In her speech Mrs Lucia Liando, president of John Paul II Foundation Indonesia, recalled the celebration of the Foundation in the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI on the 24th October. She also extended recognition and gratefulness to the initiators of the Foundation in Indonesia: Mr Richard Krzyzanowski, Mr Srihadhy and Mr Yongky Januar (the first president). She thanked everyone for their support and willingness to share ideas and generosity. The same is expected for future development of the Foundation in Indonesia.

Lucia particularly underlined the initial program of John Paul II Foundation in Indonesia: “Two simple things, which will express the love of John Paul II Foundation Indonesia to the Blessed John Paul II, are caring for the young generation and growing in friendship and fraternity among us.” “I, therefore,” she continued, “urge all friends to open our hearts to Christ through our service in the John Paul II Foundation Indonesia. May, from the window of heaven, our Blessed John Paul II continue to pour out his blessings to our Foundation, and all of us will be inspired by his spirit in our daily life and work and in the mission entrusted to us in this world.”