Pendidikan Calon imam di Papua

Abstract

Establishment of the Major Seminary in Jayapura in 1964 was the beginning of priesthood education in Papua. This seminary changed names several times, first to Akademi Teologi Katolik (Catholic Theological Academy), then to Sekolah Tinggi Teologia Katolik (Catholic Theology High School), and finally became Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Teologi Fajar Timur (Fajar Timur Philosophy and Theology High School).

A comprehensive program for candidates of catholic priest is directed to provide necessary assistance for the candidates to become spiritually close to God and psychologically stable and mature in personality. While education quality in Indonesia in general or Papua in particular is not satisfying nowadays, the presence of Major Seminary presumably would bring in alternative form of education in this region. Largely, this alternative education aims at guiding young men and women in prayer, duties, studies and living-together.