One of the many things that makes the Diocese of Tucson unique is its relationship with the Vatican Observatory, also known as the VATT or Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope. Nestled at the top of Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona near Safford sits the famous telescope and its talented team of astronomers. Many of the staff belong to the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests commonly known as the Jesuits. This week, one will end his tenure in Tucson because he’s been reassigned to Rome.
Father Christoforus Bayu Risanto, known as Fr. Bayu, first arrived in the diocese eight years ago. Then Bishop Gerald Kicanas told Fr. Bayu his primary mission would be studying at the University of Arizona and volunteering to offer sacramental ministries. “For the past eight years, I have enjoyed celebrating Masses around Tucson area,” said Fr. Bayu, “and I am grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas and Easter Sunday Masses every year at the Tohono O'odham Reservation and celebrate Sunday Masses at San Xavier del Bac Mission. I will really miss the people of these two places!”
Fr. Bayu was born in Indonesia and says he first began thinking of the priesthood at the age of 10 when his father died of lung cancer, “The sorrow was so overwhelming that I started questioning the meaning of life. We see a person born into the world, then grow up, go to school, graduate, get a job, get married, raise children, retire, get sick, and die. Is that it? To me it is absurd. So, I thought that I should give meaning to this life so that I could win over the absurdity. The absurdity will still be forever there though, but it will not overwhelm the life itself.” His calling grew stronger as an altar server. Fr. Bayu fondly remembers learning from Franciscan friars, one who published a book on teaching mathematics and chemistry, “I thought he was really cool because he ministered the sacraments (heavenly work) and at the same time served students at schools -- taught math and science (earthly work) --- WOW!! I think his life was very meaningful for Heaven and Earth.” As a student, Bayu excelled in math and science; one Sunday after Mass, to celebrate an A on a physics test, his mother treated him to a book about Galileo, “The opening chapter of the book talks about the contribution of the Jesuits priests in math and natural science, especially astronomy. I was fascinated by the fact that there was a group of priests who dedicate themselves to the world of science. I wanted to become one of them.”
At 16 he joined the seminary, a 10-hour bus ride away from his home, leaving his mom and sister. The seminary had been run by Jesuits since its opening in 1912. Jesuits take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, as well as an obedience to the pope. Fr. Bayu was ordained with three other Jesuits on July 19, 2012, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Though his primary interest was in astronomy, Fr. Bayu said his superior asked him if he would consider studying weather and climate since two other Jesuits were already studying physics. After praying for 10 days and studying the documents of the 35th General Congregation, which is the supreme legislative body of the Order, he said yes. Fr. Bayu began his studies at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and completed his Ph.D. at the University of Arizona in Tucson. His teaching and studies have taken him from Indonesia to an island in the Pacific, as well as Mexico, and Saudi Arabia.
Recently Fr. Bayu learned he would be moving to Rome where he will work alongside Italian weather and climate scientists, “First, I have to learn the language and the culture. I think everything will be brand new to me, including my research environment.” He will remain on the Vatican Observatory staff. For those curious about the research, Fr. Bayu simply explains, “We are looking for stars, planets, galaxies, asteroids, meteorites, and many other heavenly bodies. However, I am more interested in clouds, wind, and moisture on Earth.”
He encourages everyone, especially Catholics, to appreciate the Church as it explores the universe, “To know our God from the scriptures alone is not enough. God reveals Himself in our relation and interaction with our neighbor and in nature. Our fascination toward the universe leads us to a pause to reflect on the existence of us, of other creation, and of the universe itself. There are still a lot of unknowns and uncertainties out there. I think this is the thing that can make us humble. We do not know everything, let alone everything about God. This will help reduce our tendency to become arrogant and look down toward others.”
Fr. Bayu says his new role will likely evolve but his personal mission remains clear, “I would love to help the Church become more aware of the importance of taking care of the atmosphere and the planet Earth in general.”