Mathias Hariyadi 10/13/2015
The Muslim family of Robertus B. Asiyanto joyfully participated in his ordination in Maumere. His mother laid her hands on the altar: "I'm really happy with my son’s choice". The island of Flores is one of the few predominantly Catholic areas of Indonesia.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A Muslim woman blessed her son, a Catholic deacon, at the altar of the church where shortly after he was ordained priest. The incident happened three days ago in the chapel of the Major Seminary of Maumere on the island of Flores. Eleven deacons, belonging to the Divine Word Missionary order (SVD), were ordained in the presence of Msgr. Vincensius Poto Kota Pr, Archbishop of Ende.
Sites Asiyah, wearing Islamic dress (including the hijab), was accompanied by her son Robertus B. Asiyanto, nicknamed "Yanto", and laid her hands on his head, under the gaze of his adoptive father who was watching from the front with the rest of the family. "I'm really happy to see my son ordained a Catholic priest," said the woman at the end of the celebration.
The island of Flores, Eastern Nusa Taggara province, has the highest concentration of Catholics in the country, who form the majority of the population of the island. This is why it is rare for a Muslim family to willingly accept the conversion of a son to Catholicism, given that it is a rare event. Central Java is Muslim majority, but many men and women religious come from Muslim families, and it is not seen as exceptional.
In southern Sumatra the different paths of twin sisters has become famous: one is a devout Muslim, and has participated in the last pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca; the other became Catholic and entered the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (Pbhk) of Merauke, on the island of Papua. Both are happy and have good family relationships.
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