Grateful Experience

Being one of the talented performers to enliven the Grand Mass with the Holy Father Pope Francis, at Gelora Bung Karno, was an experience full of extraordinary grace for me. This moment is an honour and a very rare experience, perhaps only happening once in a lifetime. I am grateful and happy for what happened in filling entertainment events for pre-mass and post-mass.

I had no idea that I would be involved in this celebration. I am very grateful to the committee for allowing me to be involved in enlivening the entertainment program at a very historic event for Catholics in Indonesia in particular and, in general, for the Indonesian nation. Moreover, special thanks to Father Yustinus Ardianto, the priest of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, as director of the Pastoral Center, and chairman of the event section for the Holy Father’s visit to Indonesia, who has involved me in becoming a member of The Romo’s. The group formed by Father Yus consists of 12 people from various dioceses and congregations. I and Father Aloysius Tamnge MSC, represent the MSC.

Even though The Romo’s appeared at the post-Mass event, so we weren’t exposed to much camera attention, we still appeared to entertain the people, both during a duet with Margaretha Lyodra Ginting (one of the most popular young singers currently in Indonesia) and performing two medley songs. During the first medley, I appeared to play an instrument using the Sape, a traditional musical instrument of the Dayak tribe of Kalimantan.

Appearing in front of tens of thousands certainly has a different and soul-shaking experience. I feel proud and satisfied with what happened, but I remain humble because the main goal is not to seek popularity but to entertain the people. Because of that, we don’t care whether TV cameras highlight us or not when we perform; the important thing is that we carry out our part well and with joy.

Sisko Alexander, MSC