Director John Paul P. Mondejar of the International Relations Office of the University of San Agustin (USA) had a meaningful encounter with His Excellency Most Rev. Walter Erbì, D.D., the newly appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, on 06 September 2026 at the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta.
Archbishop Erbì arrived in Indonesia on 01 September 2026 to assume his new mission as the Holy See’s representative to the country. The encounter with Director Mondejar took place during the Apostolic Nuncio’s first public Mass in Indonesia, held at the Chapel of the Twelve Apostles of the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta. Director Mondejar is currently in Jakarta as Faculty Adviser of the University of San Agustin’s International Academic and Cultural Exchange Program in Indonesia, a program for the University’s Foreign Service students being held from 03 to 11 September 2026.
The meeting carried a special connection to the Philippines. Before his appointment to Indonesia, Archbishop Erbì was assigned to the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila in the early 2000s.
Upon learning that Director Mondejar is Filipino, Archbishop Erbì warmly expressed his fondness for the Philippines, recalling his years of service in the country and his lasting impression of the Filipino faithful and their deep faith.
As a gesture of friendship, Director Mondejar presented Archbishop Erbì with a small image of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu, which the Apostolic Nuncio warmly appreciated. Archbishop Erbì also fondly recalled his visit to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu, further highlighting the special connection he continues to hold with the Philippines.
The encounter also highlighted the shared Augustinian heritage of the University of San Agustin and the Catholic Church. Upon learning that the University is administered by the Order of Saint Augustine, Archbishop Erbì warmly recognized its Augustinian identity, particularly as the Church is presently led by Pope Leo XIV, the first Augustinian pope in history. He also conveyed his blessing and best wishes to the Augustinian friars and to the entire University of San Agustin community.
The meeting reflects the enduring ties among the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Holy See, while highlighting the role of international engagement in fostering meaningful connections across academic, cultural, diplomatic, and faith communities.
The University of San Agustin extends its prayers and best wishes to His Excellency Archbishop Walter Erbì as he begins his mission as Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, praying for a fruitful ministry in service of the Church and the Indonesian people.
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