Lux et Sal

Paus Leo XIV

2025-10-21T15:50:13+07:00

This article discusses the election of Pope Leo XIV (Robert Francis Prevost) as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis. His election is widely regarded as a sign of continuity with the pastoral and social vision of his predecessor. Drawing from his Augustinian background, cross-cultural experience, and a personal character marked by simplicity and contemplative depth, Pope Leo XIV brings renewed hope to the Church amid the complex challenges of the contemporary world. Through an engagement with the spirituality of Saint Augustine—particularly the themes of love, the civitas Dei, interior conversion, and the dialogue between faith and reason—this study argues that Pope Leo XIV embodies a form of leadership grounded in charity, unity, and profound reflection. In an increasingly fractured and noisy world, he calls the Church to become a community rooted in silence, animated by love, and open to sincere dialogue, so as to make the presence of God tangible within modern society.

Konsili Yerusalem

2025-11-07T08:18:18+07:00

The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) stands as a pivotal moment in the early Church, revealing how the first Christian communities confronted internal conflict regarding the identity and boundaries of the emerging faith. This study examines the theological and cultural tensions between Jewish-Christian believers and the rapidly growing Gentile communities, which raised fundamental questions about salvation, the Mosaic Law, and ecclesial fellowship. By analyzing the deliberations involving Peter, James, Paul, Barnabas, and the Jerusalem elders, the paper highlights how discernment of God’s action—rather than adherence to inherited religious customs—guided the Council’s resolution. The resulting decision affirmed salvation by grace through faith and established minimal communal norms to enable fellowship between culturally diverse believers. The paper also reflects on the later disagreement between Paul and Barnabas as a reminder that human limitations do not negate God’s ability to work through conflict. Ultimately, the Jerusalem Council offers a lasting model for dialogue, discernment, and unity amid ecclesial diversity.

Gereja Sinodal dalam Terang “In Illo Uno Unum”

2025-11-07T08:22:40+07:00

This study offers a theological–ecclesiological analysis of synodality in light of Pope Leo XIV’s programmatic motto In Illo Uno Unum (“In the One, we are one”). Drawing upon Augustinian ecclesiology and recent magisterial developments, the paper argues that synodality constitutes not merely an institutional mechanism but an essential modality of the Church’s self-understanding as the communio of God’s pilgrim people. By situating Pope Leo XIV’s vision within the broader trajectory of conciliar tradition—especially the legacy of Nicaea in its 1700th anniversary—the study highlights the intrinsic link between synodality, ecclesial unity, and ecumenical rapprochement. It further examines synodality as an ecclesial form of discernment ordered to the missio Dei, whereby the Church participates in Christ’s Paschal dynamic through listening, dialogue, and co-responsibility. Finally, the paper presents synodality as a mode of prophetic witness capable of addressing contemporary socio-political fragmentation by promoting reconciliation, peace, and the dignity of every human person. Thus, synodality emerges as a comprehensive paradigm for renewing the Church’s communion and mission in the third millennium.

Pembentukan Kevikepan Berbasis Karesidenan

2025-11-07T08:10:42+07:00

With its vast scope, the Diocese of Surabaya is divided into 46 parishes grouped in 8 vicariates. In recent pastoral situations, strengthening the vicariate is a priority, but conceptually there has never been any adequate study on this topic. To make an adequate study, this work covers the history of the former residencies of Surabaya, Kediri, Madiun, dan Rembang because in reality the Diocese of Surabaya would later use this colonial administrative basis of the regional government as the basis for dividing its territory into vicariates. Having that rationale, this paper then discusses the formation history of the Diocese of Surabaya and the formation of the vicariates in the territory of the Diocese based on the ex-residencies’ territorial administration. After making an analysis on the divisions of the Diocese into vicariates since 1983 this paper ends with a conclusion.

Model Penguatan Kevikepan Teritorial Keuskupan Surabaya 2026-2030

2025-12-22T10:29:00+07:00

The Diocese of Surabaya has experienced significant growth in the number of parishes; however, this expansion has also produced structural imbalances. The development of local units (parishes) has not been accompanied by a corresponding strengthening of intermediate structures (episcopal vicariates). This study addresses the issue of the "missing vicariates" (kevikepan yang hilang) marked by weak institutional functions and the limited leadership role of the Episcopal Vicar, who lacks a clear job description and strategic direction. As a result, a "silo mentality" and parochialism threaten the Church’s fundamental vision as communion.

Employing a literature review as the methodological approach, this paper proposes a "Strengthening Model for Territorial Vicariates" for the period 2026–2030, aligned with the stages of the Diocese's Basic Directions (ARDAS). The framework integrates John Kotter's 8-Steps Change Model and Kurt Lewin’s 3-Phases Change Model with contemporary leadership theories: transformational, servant, authentic, and leader-member exchange (LMX). The strengthening process is structured into three phases: (1) creating a climate for change, (2) involving and empowering the entire vicariate, and (3) implementing and consolidating the culture. These phases must be accompanied by a transformation of the Episcopal Vicar’s role into that of a strategic leader and by the establishment of a solid steering coalition. In this way, vicariates can become coordinating centers that foster synodality, subsidiarity, and solidarity, ensuring the Diocese of Surabaya advances as a cohesive and missionary community.