A philosophy and theology school in Malang, East Java, which has produced 500 priests and missioners, has celebrated forty years of service. Widya Sasana School of Philosophy and Theology, established in March 1971, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Eucharistic service on May 7. About 700 people attended the Mass concelebrated by Carmelite Bishop Herman Joseph Sahadat Pandoyoputro of Malang and six other bishops including Holy Family Bishop Yustinus Harjosusanto of Tanjung Selor. “This school has cast a net for 40 years to capture future evangelists. Finally, about 500 people became priests,” Bishop Harjosusanto said in his homily. The prelate added that the school invited people to become faithful followers of Christ and to proclaim the Good News to all people. “Many are working in China, Africa and other countries,” he said. The school’s rector, Vincentian Father Fransiskus Xaverius Eko Armada Riyanto acknowledged that the school’s anniversary celebration was the work of the Divine Mercy. “We no longer depend on foreign missioners in proclaiming the Gospel. We can even send our own missioners to other countries including Africa, Europe and Japan,” he said. He also hoped that more Catholics will become philosophers and theologians. “We still have support from our Church leaders and provincials,” he added. Meanwhile, Simon Ludianta, a seminarian, praised the school for introducing a holistic education. “The lecturer priests give us an opportunity to develop our intellectuality and other skills,” he said. The school now has 450 students. Its vision is an academic community which can enlighten the heart and mind and produce future leaders for the Church and the world. Meanwhile, its mission is to produce people with good philosophy and theology insights and fundamental principles on common life. Related reports Indonesian Vincentians get new superior IJ14161