The spirit of Christmas and the dawn of a new year were joyously embraced by the Christian Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada during the heartwarming Christmas and New Year Celebration 2024 at Grha Sabha Pramana on Friday (Jan. 12).
The festive occasion commenced with a service led by Father Dr. Suratman Gitowiratmo, Pr, and Rev. Christiyono Riyadi.
Under the theme, “Be an Instrument for the Glory of God and a Light for Others,” the event saw the presence of the Rector of UGM, Professor Ova Emilia, Korpagama representative Heru Marwata, professors, lecturers, non-teaching staff, students, and retirees.
In her opening address, Professor Emilia expressed profound gratitude for the unity in the worship service and the ensuing Christmas celebration. She lauded the event as a testament to UGM’s unwavering commitment to diversity.
UGM, she emphasized, is a shared haven—a home for lecturers, researchers, clinicians, educational staff, and students alike. It serves as a sanctuary where Indonesian values are upheld, fostering collective reflection in pursuit of the institution’s mission and vision.
“I also express my gratitude that the sense of togetherness as a large family is a characteristic of unity that we need to maintain together, to complement each other in forming collective strength and energy,” she warmly conveyed.
Professor Emilia took a moment to express her appreciation for the UGM Faith & Spirituality Center’s inauguration on Dec. 19, 2023. This significant milestone, achieved through tireless dedication, marked a historic achievement for the proposing team.
The rector applauded the team’s relentless efforts, underscoring the importance of cherishing and collectively safeguarding this monumental accomplishment. She recognized the intangible value inherent in such endeavors, emphasizing that the intention alone serves as an extraordinary capital, with monetary resources being a secondary pursuit.
Looking ahead, Professor Emilia expressed her hope for a UGM family characterized by care and mutual assistance—a spirit grounded in humanity. This spirit, she contended, forms the bedrock of academic service, fostering an unwavering commitment to humanity in every facet of UGM’s vast expanse.
“Once again, I welcome this year’s Christmas celebration and the year 2024. Hopefully, through this celebration, we will always be continually blessed with awareness to build a love for others through our respective service areas. Be a blessing to others, especially those around us whom we love,” she conveyed with heartfelt optimism.
Professor Sebastian Margino, a key proponent of the UGM Faith & Spirituality Center, took the opportunity to express gratitude to UGM’s leadership. The realization of the spiritual area, a dream initiated in 1980, now stands as a tangible reality inaugurated under the leadership of Professor Emilia.
Professor Margino acknowledged the prolonged journey, hoping the facility would enhance unity and bolster the spirit of service at UGM.
In his message to the UGM Christian Family, Rev. Christiyono Riyadi emphasized the importance of cultivating a grateful attitude. Gratitude, he asserted, is the key to joy and celebration—an enduring thankfulness for life’s blessings and shared experiences.
Drawing parallels between light and gratitude, Rev. Riyadi encouraged everyone to radiate positivity through their thoughts, words, and actions. By thinking positively, speaking affirmatively, and engaging in benevolent deeds, individuals contribute to a world brimming with positivity and goodness.
“In essence, others represent God that is visible in this world. Thinking, speaking, and doing good is our way of honoring God and, at the same time, being a light that illuminates this world. Let’s welcome the news of Christmas with joy, be an instrument of God’s glory by giving light to others,” he elucidated.
The captivating Acaraki dance and the delightful humor of Dalijo further enlivened the festive atmosphere. The UGM Student Choir (PSM) added melodic contributions, resonating with the joyous spirit of the university’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian