The Indonesian Bible Society (LAI) together with Domus Cordis held a book distribution activity "Identity: Identified Surfing the Waves of Life" to 120 students at SMA Santo Bernadus Pekalongan. The activity, which was held on Friday, September 27, 2024, is part of the Base Community Development Program (PKB), which aims to strengthen the faith and spiritual development of the Catholic young generation.

 

In the ESC program that takes place at the school, Domus Cordis Semarang acts as a companion for teachers who are tasked with accompanying Catholic students to become more rooted in faith in Christ. The ESC program at SMA Santo Bernadus has been running for two months and is held regularly every two weeks. In addition to providing regular online mentoring, Domus Cordis also provides faith mentoring modules, newsletters, and the Alpha Catholic program, all of which are designed to equip teachers in developing faith communities at school.

 

The Principal of Santo Bernadus High School, Fr. Lani Budhi Hantari, in her speech thanked LAI and the Commission on Youth (KomKep) of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) for supporting this program. "We hope that this book can be a means of faith development for our students, so that they will have more faith and grow in Jesus," she said.

 

A Class 10.1 student, Aurell, expressed her excitement over the book distribution. "The book 'Identity: Identified' is very good and useful, especially in this month of Scripture, because it can guide young people to go deeper in their faith," Aurell said enthusiastically.

 

Not only book distribution, the event was also enlivened with a ice breaking session led by Fr. Sapto from St. Petrus Parish Catholic Church Pekalongan. In the session named "New Friend," Fr. Sapto invited the students to get out of their friendship comfort zone and open themselves to new experiences. "New Friend invites us to get out of our comfort zone and enter an unknown zone. This new experience will enrich us," said Fr. Sapto with enthusiasm.

 

Meanwhile, Budi Satrio Wibowo, Head of Domus Cordis Semarang, explained about the book "Identity: Identified" that was distributed to the students. The book aims to strengthen faith and help students find their identity as disciples of Christ. Budi also added that the data of the students who have filled out the form will be used to spread this book movement to all young Catholics in Indonesia.

 

"Our hope is that through this CPD and book distribution program, the community of young people at Saint Bernadus High School can grow and be more fruitful, both for the Church and society. We also want the students to be stronger in their faith as they can read the word of God and be inspired by the testimonies of other young people," said Budi.

 

The PKB program itself has been running since 2021 and involves various dioceses throughout Indonesia, including the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the Diocese of Semarang, the Diocese of Purwokerto, and several other dioceses. Through collaboration with LAI and various related parties, this program is expected to continue to contribute to the faith development of the young Catholic generation in Indonesia. (bonita)