An energetic graphic designer and priest eager to spread God’s message of love and hope, Fr. Paul Wilkin, SDS, has had a missionary heart since before his days in formation with the USA Province of Salvatorians. Ordained in 2019, Fr. Paul is 60 years old and introduces himself as an “old, new priest” in Indonesia, where he is currently missioned in starting the first SDS Mission there (IDN Mission).
Traditionally, many priests have gone to Minor Seminary (high school) or entered religious life right out of high school. However, Fr. Paul was a “late vocation,” entering religious life at the age of 46. In 2022, he was asked by then General Superior, Fr. Milton Zonta, SDS, to start the IDN Mission. He was joined by two Salvatorians, one Filipino and one newly ordained Indonesian, to build the foundation of this mission. Building a mission takes time. There are uncertainties, ups and downs along the way.
The first step is to be welcomed into a diocese by a Bishop. The first ministry is one of presence while the priests find various ways to help the Diocese. The hope is that Salvatorians can build a formation house, to help men discern their Calling to religious life and that more men will be accepted into the vocation. “We are finding men in Indonesia who are feeling the call to serve and make Jesus known,” said Fr. Paul. “Most are coming through referrals at this time, and we greet them with joy!”
Priests of the IDN Mission have been granted official ministry faculties by the Bishop in the Archdiocese of Kupang, so they can serve the faithful more fully as priests and share their Salvatorian charisms in their ongoing ministry of presence. The greatest gift we can bring into any room isn’t advice, fixing, or perfection. It is presence. A peaceful, loving, safe harbor for another soul. This is the way of Jesus — the One who does not judge, but who sits with us in our needs and prayers. The One who bears our burdens and calls us to bear one another’s, too. Simply being there is a physical extension of God’s hand. We were never meant to do this life alone. The presence of Christ within us becomes the comfort we offer each other.
Please keep Fr. Paul and his fellow missionaries in your prayers that they may be that steady presence—the warmth in the room, the calm in the chaos, the reflection of His peace.
