The Faculty of Psychology at Sanata Dharma University officially launched its 30th anniversary celebrations with a Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, June 3rd, 2026. The event served as a meaningful occasion for the academic community to reflect on the faculty’s three decades of growth and achievement. Since the beginning, the atmosphere was filled with gratitude and togetherness as lecturers, staff, students, retired faculty members, and university leaders gathered to honor this milestone in the faculty’s history. Their presence made it clear that the faculty’s 30-year journey has been shaped by the collective dedication of lecturers, staff, students, retired faculty, and university leaders, whose contributions have sustained its growth in education and service to society.

The celebration opened with warm greetings from Anselmus Ananda dan Shesilia Miawardhani as a representative of psychology students. They expressed gratitude, the chance to gather and reminded everyone of the long journey of psychology’s major. Long period of time, marked by the struggles of the founders, the dedication of lecturers and staff, friendships that connect generations, and learning experiences that have shaped the character of students and alumni. This Dies Natalis was not only a celebration of gratitude for the journey so far, but also a moment to look ahead with hope and optimism for the future of the Faculty of Psychology.

The Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Father Siprianus Kuntoro Aji, SJ, alongside Father Ernest Justin, SJ, and Father Jona Joakim Inem, OFMCap. Opening the celebration, Fr. Siprianus shared his gratitude for the Faculty of Psychology’s journey over the past thirty years and the many lives it has touched along the way. He recognized the dedication of senior lecturers and all individuals who have worked tirelessly since the faculty’s founding. Reflecting on its growth, he emphasized that the faculty’s achievements are the result of God’s blessings and the commitment of those who have served it throughout the years. He encouraged the academic community to seek God’s guidance and blessings so that the faculty may continue its mission with enthusiasm, compassion, and a commitment to serving students and society.

 

On today’s homily, Fr. Siprianus linked the Gospel reading to everyday life, particularly within the world of education. He began his reflection by sharing his teaching experience in the field of informatics, which often involves various student projects and assignments. From this, he emphasized the importance of learning to set priorities in life. Just as students must manage tasks that are urgent and important, people too must recognize what truly matters most. According to him, academic success and achievements are indeed valuable, but there is something far greater: the call to love God and to love others.

 
Following the homily, the celebration continued with the Prayer of the Faithful, which included various intentions for the Church, Sanata Dharma University, the Faculty of Psychology, the Indonesian nation, and all students. Through these prayers, the congregation asked that Sanata Dharma University continue to be an academic community capable of forming individuals who are both intelligent and humanistic. The Faculty of Psychology was also prayed for to remain a fertile place for the intellectual and personal development of students. In addition, prayers were offered that the Indonesian nation will be increasingly able to realize a just society and continue to seek solutions to various problems faced.

Towards the end of the celebration, a tumpeng blessing ceremony was held as a symbol of gratitude for the thirty-year journey of the Faculty of Psychology at Sanata Dharma University. In the blessing prayer, it was emphasized that the tumpeng is not merely a symbol of celebration but also a reminder of the responsibility to share life with those around us. Specifically, the academic community is encouraged to continue supporting the younger generation so that they are able to grow into empowered individuals who contribute to society. The tumpeng becomes a symbol of hope that the faculty will always be given strength, joy, and confidence in carrying out its educational duties.

Through this Thanksgiving Mass marking the Opening of the 30th Dies Natalis, the Faculty of Psychology of Sanata Dharma University not only celebrated the institution’s anniversary but also reflected on its calling to continue growing in service. The spirit of loving God and others, which became the central theme of the homily, served as a reminder that education is not only about developing intellectual abilities but also about forming individuals who are caring, humanistic, and capable of bringing goodness to the communities around them. With this spirit, the Faculty of Psychology is expected to continue moving forward and making tangible contributions to society, the nation, and the field of education in Indonesia.

 After the Thanksgiving Mass, the Opening Ceremony of the 30th Dies Natalis continued with the gong-striking procession led by the Dean, Vice Dean, and Head of the Study Program of the Faculty of Psychology at Sanata Dharma University. This procession marked the official commencement of the entire series of activities organized to celebrate the Dies Natalis. The opening ceremony of the Dies Natalis then continued with a Stress Relief Standing Stretching session led by Coach Fajar Triasmara and attended by all participants. This stretching session can help reduce physical and mental tension, improve relaxation, and refresh the body through simple stretching movements that can be done while standing.

 
As the closing event of the Opening Ceremony for the 30th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Psychology at Sanata Dharma University, all participants gathered for a communal meal held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The celebratory mood was further enhanced by the 2025 batch students of the Faculty of Psychology as a form of appreciation and celebration of the successful implementation of FCH activities during this semester. Through a creative and enthusiastic performance, the students showcased the results of their learning process, collaboration, and shared experiences. The communal meal and FCH performance served as a memorable conclusion to the Dies Natalis opening activities, while also marking the beginning of the series of events for the 30th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Psychology at Sanata Dharma University that will take place in the future.



                                                                                              Student Staff Lab. Psikologi

                                                                        Queena (239114018), Karina (229114113)


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