Indonesian Catholics Celebrate 88th Birthday of Carmelite Founder Fr. Yohanes Indrakusuma

Hundreds of Catholics gathered at the Carmel Hermitage of Ngadireso in Tumpang, Malang Regency, East Java Province, on June 13 to celebrate the 88th birthday of Fr. Yohanes Indrakusuma, CSE, a priest widely known in Indonesia for his charismatic ministry, healing services, and commitment to prayer.

The thanksgiving celebration brought together priests of the Carmelitae Sancti Eliae (CSE), dozens of Sisters of the Daughters of Carmel Congregation, members of the Holy Trinity Community (Komunitas Tritunggal Mahakudus or KTM), and faithful from Malang and other parts of Indonesia.

The event began with a concelebrated Eucharistic celebration, followed by a spiritual reflection led by Fr. Yohanes and a fellowship gathering.

Many participants traveled long distances to attend the celebration, reflecting the influence of Fr. Yohanes’ ministry and the affection many Catholics have for him. Attendees came to pray, listen to his reflections, and personally meet the priest whose ministry has inspired thousands over several decades.

Born in Nganjuk, East Java, on June 8, 1938, Fr. Yohanes was baptized into the Catholic Church in 1954. He entered the Carmelite novitiate (O.Carm.) in 1960 and was ordained a priest in 1967.

His desire for a life of silence and contemplative prayer eventually led him to embrace the vocation of a hermit. From that spirituality emerged several communities and ministries that would later expand throughout Indonesia and beyond.

On March 19, 1982, he founded the Daughters of Carmel Congregation, a community of women religious dedicated to contemplative prayer and apostolic service. Four years later, on July 20, 1986, he established the Carmelitae Sancti Eliae (CSE) congregation for seminarians and priests. On January 11, 1987, he founded the Holy Trinity Community (KTM), a lay movement that has since spread internationally.

In his homily during the thanksgiving Mass, Fr. Yohanes encouraged the faithful to follow the example of the Blessed Virgin Mary in accepting God's will with trust and courage.

“We must learn from Mary, who said, Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum, let it be done to me according to your word. Mary entrusted herself completely to God even without knowing exactly what the future would bring,” he said.

The founder of the CSE congregation, the Daughters of Carmel Congregation, and the Holy Trinity Community also recalled the humble beginnings of his ministry.

He said the Carmel Hermitage in Ngadireso was initially built with limited facilities, and Eucharistic celebrations were often held under simple tents. Through perseverance in prayer and the support of benefactors, the ministry gradually expanded.

During the celebration, Tri, Fr. Yohanes’ younger brother, expressed gratitude for his brother’s long life and continued good health.

“He is the eighth child in our family, while I am the ninth. Now only the two of us remain,” he said.

At 88, Fr. Yohanes continues to live a life centered on prayer and contemplation while remaining accessible to people seeking spiritual guidance. His simplicity, fidelity to prayer, and pastoral ministry continue to inspire many Catholics to deepen their relationship with God.