By Gabriel Abdi Susanto
SEMARANG (SE): Around 900 students and staff from eight Jesuit schools across Indonesia convened at Loyola College High School in Semarang for the Jesuit Schools Gathering 2026, held from October 12 to 16.
Centred on the theme “Fate Chiasso!” [Make some noise], the event encouraged youth to actively pursue change, fraternity, and societal impact.
The theme, inspired by Pope Francis’ exhortation Christus Vivit, particularly paragraph 143, urges young people not to be bystanders but to take risks and drive change.
The eight participating schools included Canisius College and Gonzaga College in Jakarta; Loyola College and PIKA College [Wood Industry Education] in Semarang; De Britto College in Yogyakarta; Mikael College in Solo; Mertoyudan Seminary in Magelang; and Le Cocq d’Armandville College in Nabire, Central Papua.
The diversity fostered new friendships and cultural exchange, strengthening collaboration among the Jesuit network.
The gathering featured sports, arts, and reflection activities designed to encourage creativity, collaboration, and meaningful contributions.
At the opening ceremony, Jesuit provincial of Indonesia, Father Albertus Bagus Laksana, urged students not to remain passive in a changing world, but to act, build networks, and engage with society’s challenges.
“Make some noise! You are called to be here together with your mentors, priests, and fathers to take action. You are not called simply to live a quiet and comfortable life,” he said. He urged students not to be spectators of life or passive consumers, but people of concern, courage, and responsibility.
The theme, inspired by Pope Francis’ exhortation Christus Vivit, particularly paragraph 143, urges young people not to be bystanders but to take risks and drive change
“Fate Chiasso!” is not about chaos, Father Laksana clarified, but about speaking up for truth, standing for justice, and engaging in humanitarian concerns. Inner peace, gained through reflection and prayer, should empower action with a well-formed conscience.
He encouraged crossing boundaries through friendship and collaboration, urging students to bring the spirit of fraternity back home.
Fate Chiasso!: making noise that brings change
The event’s theme also reflected the Universal Apostolic Preferences of the Society of Jesus: showing the way to God, developing potential, and spreading hope.
Father Hendricus Satya Wening Pambudi sj, chairperson of the organising committee, said preparations took about eighteen months, beginning with discussions and reflection at each school about the challenges faced by youth today.
Father Pambudi said “Fate Chiasso!” encouraged students to create meaningful work and take positive initiative.
A highlight of the programme was the Inspiration Classes, where alumni shared their experiences and contributions to society. Their stories provided insights on living meaningfully with dedication and integrity.
Sports as a space for collaboration
A spirit of togetherness defined the gathering, with several sports events forming mixed teams from different schools to encourage collaboration.
Competitions included boys’ football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, girls’ futsal, boys’ volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and athletics such as running, long jump, high jump, and shot put.
Mixed teams fostered teamwork and friendships across school boundaries.
Father Pambudi said this collaborative approach distinguished this year’s gathering, while individual events allowed students to showcase individual talents.
He emphasised that the competitions’ essence lay not in victory, but in practising Jesuit values.
Students learned discipline, sportsmanship, cooperation, and respect, building trust and teamwork.
A spirit of togetherness defined the gathering, with several sports events forming mixed teams from different schools to encourage collaboration
Arts and creativity as ways to make their voices heard
Beyond sports, non-sport competitions let students showcase talents and communicate ideas to society.
The competitions included band performances, photography, storytelling, solo singing, short films, English-language debates, and poetry set to music.
These activities encouraged creativity, expression, and engagement with societal issues.
Photography and film enabled storytelling through images, debates fostered critical thinking, and music, solo singing, and poetry provided outlets for imagination and humanitarian messages.
The competitions demonstrated that “Fate Chiasso!” can be expressed through creative works that inspire action and new perspectives.
The Inspiration Classes introduced students to “positive noise” they can make in daily life, drawing from alumni experience
Inspiration Classes: learning from real-life experiences
The Inspiration Classes introduced students to “positive noise” they can make in daily life, drawing from alumni experience.
Father Pambudi said these sessions introduced students to “positive noise” they can make in daily life, using alumni’s experiences as inspiration.
The initiative emphasised that change comes not just from major achievements but from everyday dedication and service.
The Inspiration Classes showed that faith is lived through action, meaningful work, and community involvement, not just prayer and reflection.
Throughout the event, students built relationships across Indonesia, exchanging experiences and developing friendships
Strengthening fraternity and networks among Jesuit schools
Throughout the event, students built relationships across Indonesia, exchanging experiences and developing friendships.
Father Pambudi expressed joy at seeing participants collaborate effectively despite limited chances for in-person coordination.
Simple gestures, like exchanging stickers and keychains, helped students bond and build confidence.
He emphasised these networks and friendships as key outcomes, equipping students for future collaboration.
Bringing home the spirit of taking action
The event reminded students that being part of the Jesuit educational family means a willingness to learn, grow, and engage with global challenges.
Students were called to transform ideas into concrete action, grounded in awareness, competence, and commitment.
Participants left with new friendships, broader networks, and courage to create positive change in their communities.
As Father Laksana said, Jesuit students are called to be global citizens, working for a more just and fraternal world.
Ultimately, the gathering affirmed that “Fate Chiasso!” is an invitation for youth to get involved, nurture creativity, and strengthen fraternity, and bring hope to the world.
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