The religious community in Palembang is in mourning following the departure of Fr. Fransiskus de Sales, SCJ, a revered figure in the Catholic Church and a beacon of faith and communication. 

According to LIFE Contributor in Palembang, Fr. Titus Jatra Kelana, Fr. Frans de Sales passed away on Sunday, 7 April 2024, in the intensive care unit of Charitas Hospital, Palembang, Indonesia.

Fr. Frans de Sales, affectionately known within the community, is the chairperson of the Social Communication Commission of the Archdiocese of Palembang.

Born on June 16, 1962, in Maumere, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Fr. Frans embarked on a spiritual and educational journey that saw him graduating from Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta with a Bachelor of Theology and from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a Master of Communication Science. 

His academic pursuits paved the way for significant contributions to Religious Communication, including the founding of Tabloid Komunio and heading FIAT Magazine, both vital publications within the Catholic community.

Fr. Frans’s dedication to religious communication extended to his role within Signis Asia, where he served on the Board from 2023 until his untimely passing. 

His tenure with SIGNIS Indonesia as Deputy Chairman from 2011 to 2013 and as Chairman for two consecutive terms from 2013 to 2018 underscored his leadership qualities and visionary approach to fostering a better future for religious communication.

Reflecting on Fr. Frans’s legacy, Bernadetta Widi, Deputy Chairperson of SIGNIS Indonesia, shared her memories and admiration for a man who was a “true leader, humble, always listening, continuing to learn, hardworking and always thinking about a better future for SIGNIS Indonesia.” 

Widi recounted how Pastor Frans inspired her to take on significant roles within SIGNIS, highlighting his influence not just on her professional journey but on the broader religious communication community. – with reports from HIDUP/jiwakatolik.com