ACN Germany Reviews Plans for the Construction of the Passionist Lawang Crucis Retreat House in Sekadau

ACN Visits Sekadau

Sekadau, dermagafm.com — Two representatives from the international humanitarian organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) from Germany, Veronica and Marco, conducted a working visit to Sekadau Regency, West Kalimantan, to review the planned construction of the Passionist Lawang Crucis Retreat House on Thursday (December 4, 2025).

The arrival of the ACN team marks an initial step in the evaluation process and exploration of potential funding support for the retreat facility owned by the Passionist Community, located in Ensalang, Km 12 Sekadau. The project is expected to become a center for faith formation, recollection, spiritual training, and a place of silence for Catholics as well as the wider community.

During their visit, Veronica and Marco met with several priests and community leaders to hear presentations regarding the vision, facility needs, and urgency of this project for both the Church and local society.

The first meeting took place at the site of the planned Passionist Retreat House, attended by the Parish Priest, Father Martinus CP; Father Nores, who served as interpreter; Father Asun; and Nico Bohot from Radio Dermaga Sekadau as media radio jurnalist

From the Diocese of Sanggau, the visit was accompanied by the Bishop’s Secretary, Father Lingga OFM Cap, along with the Diocese’s Communications Team (Komsos).

When the delegation arrived in Sekadau, the Chairman of the Parish Administrative Council (BPG), Paulus Misi, was also present, along with several community figures.

During the site inspection, the ACN team observed the land already prepared for the project—an area of more than 100 hectares within the Passionist property in Ensalang, located approximately 100 meters from the Sekadau–Sanggau highway. This field survey serves as an initial assessment before ACN determines further support for the project.

The construction of the Passionist Lawang Crucis Retreat House is considered urgent due to the limited availability of spiritual formation facilities within the Diocese of Sanggau, particularly in Sekadau. The new facility is expected to strengthen pastoral services while responding to the community’s need for a dedicated space for spiritual growth.

“This is not merely a physical construction. This place will become a space for the faithful to grow in faith, find peace, and deepen their relationship with God,” said Paulus Misi, one of the community leaders.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Catholic Church Council of Sekadau, Aloysius Amaki’i, emphasized the strategic value of establishing the Passionist Lawang Crucis Retreat House—not only for the Church but also for the wider public.

“Many people—students, teachers, youth communities, and various groups—need a proper place to discuss and deepen their understanding, whether related to faith, social issues, or character building,” Aloysius stated.

He added that many recollection activities and group discussions currently have to be held in inadequate or temporary locations.

Aloysius expressed hope that the Passionist Lawang Crucis Retreat House would become a center for spiritual and social activities open to all.

Visit to St. Gabriel Seminary, Sekadau

International Support for Mission Territories. 

Aid to the Church in Need is an international organization supporting the Catholic Church in mission territories and regions requiring pastoral strengthening, spiritual facilities, and humanitarian assistance.

If the visitation process proceeds smoothly, the construction of the Lawang Crucis Retreat House is expected to begin soon and become a significant project in improving the quality of spiritual formation in Sekadau and West Kalimantan.

The ACN team continued their visitation with a luncheon at the dining hall of the Sekadau Parish,  visits to Betang Youth Centre, St. Gabriel Seminary Sekadau, the Passionist Monastery of Sekadau, and concluded the day at the Sekadau Parish. (NB)

Edited by the Editorial Team of Radio Dermaga.