Papuan students discover mission in education, faith, and service

Students from Timika, Papua, who study at Soegijapranata Catholic University in Semarang, Indonesia, participated in a spiritual retreat in mid-August 2026 to reflect on their roles in faith and service. Held at the Sanjaya Pastoral Center in Muntilan, Central Java, the program encouraged the students to explore how the missionary spirit applies to their lives and higher education.

The retreat taught that missionary work is not limited to traveling to remote areas for healthcare or socioeconomic development. Instead, participants learned that they can live out this spirit in daily life by fostering solidarity and making the love of Christ present to others.

The location in Muntilan provided historical context, as the town is a significant site for the history of the Catholic Church in Indonesia regarding education and evangelization. The program used this heritage to help students recognize the missionary identity as an essential part of being a Christian.