The Catholic Student Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a series of Thanksgiving Mass activities on Saturday (Aug. 28) at Grha Sabha Pramana (GSP UGM).
Around 900 participants attended this event, which aimed to express gratitude and offer prayers for a smooth academic year in 2024/2025 while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood among students.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Semarang (Rev. F. X. Sugiyana, Pr), accompanied by four concelebrating priests: Rev. Adrianus Maradiyo, Pr (Vicar of East Yogyakarta), Rev. Agustinus Daryanto, SJ (Director of the Catholic Student Pastoral Center, DIY), Rev. Vincentius Doni Erlangga Satriawan, SJ (Parish Priest of Kotabaru), and Rev. B. Agus Rukmono, OMI (Rector of the OMI Scholasticate).
“We extend our gratitude to UGM for its continued openness and generosity in providing space for the Catholic community at UGM to express their faith. This worship event is an extraordinary blessing,” expressed Rev. Daryanto, the Student Chaplain.
This year’s Thanksgiving Mass was themed “Lumen in Christo,” which means to shine in Christ.
This theme aligned with the homily of the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, who encouraged the congregation to excel academically and cultivate good attitudes, communication, and faith in Catholicism.
“The spirit of prophecy is not only given to the elders but also the youth,” he said.
The event began with a talk show featuring Walma Jelena, also known as the Mantilla Lady, who spoke about the Catholic Church’s tradition of the mantilla (a head-covering veil).
She discussed how Gen Z can be the salt and light of the world by spreading the Catholic Church’s traditions through social media in the modern era.
The Thanksgiving Mass was enlivened by a student choir, dance performances, and keroncong music by seminarians from Kentungan Seminary.
The Gospel was also proclaimed during the Eucharist to spread the good news to others. The congregation was encouraged to use social media to share the Word of God as a medium for evangelization.
Additionally, the congregation was invited to seek blessings from the Virgin Mary for all aspects of life.
“The opening of this academic year is an opportunity for all of us to continue growing in faith, developing in hope, and bearing the fruits of love in our service,” said the Vicar of East Yogyakarta.
As the Eucharistic celebration drew close, the Vicar General emphasized the importance of participating in various positive activities as added value and to build good character.
The celebration concluded with an exhibition encouraging students to become more involved in community life. This was followed by a gathering with the priests, faculty advisors, and Catholic and Christian Student Family representatives.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif