UCA News
Contribute

Well-loved Dutch Vincentian missionary dies in Indonesia

Father Paul Hendrikus Janssen, 95, will be remembered for his work with disabled children
Well-loved Dutch Vincentian missionary dies in Indonesia

In 1967, Father Paul Hendrikus Janssen established the Bhakti Luhur Foundation to help children with disabilities in Indonesia. (Photo supplied)

Published: April 26, 2017 04:43 AM GMT
Updated: April 26, 2017 04:50 AM GMT

East Java Catholics are mourning the death of popular Dutch Vincentian Father Paul Hendrikus Janssen, 95, who passed away on April 20, in Malang, East Java.

Father Janssen became well known for founding the Indonesian Pastoral Institute in Malang, the Association of the Institute for Lay Missionaries and orphanages for children with special needs.

"The Catholic Church in East Java has suffered a great loss. Father Janssen was a major force in building education," Father Robertus Joko Sulistyo, head of Mater Dei Parish in Madiun, East Java, said.

He said the late priest loved children very much. "Father Janssen was particularly fond of disabled children and established many orphanages for them," he said.

Born in Amsterdam, on Jan 29, 1922, he was ordained as a priest in July 1947.

He was sent by his congregation to become a missionary in China, but was forced to leave by the communists so went to Indonesia in 1951.

In 1967 he moved to Malang and established the Bhakti Luhur Foundation to help disabled children.

The Bhakti Luhur Foundation has more than 400 houses in which over 2,000 children live.

The foundation serves in 15 provinces.

The government recognized Father Janssen's work and he received a Setya Lencana award from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He was buried on April 24 in, Malang, East Java.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia