Carmelites Friars – North of American Province of St. Elias in allegiance to Jesus Christ
Malang, Indonesia – September 18, 2025 — The 2025 General Chapter of the Order has elected its new central government, filling the key roles of Prior General, Vice Prior General, Procurator General, and General Bursar. The elections followed a day of prayer and reflection, guided by Bishop Henricus Pidyardo.
The morning began with Morning Prayer and Eucharist, before the capitulars — members of the General Chapter — gathered in the Chapter Hall to begin the voting process. The president of the chapter opened the election with a prayer, asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bestow gifts of wisdom and counsel upon all members.
After a period of quiet contemplation and voting, the results were announced.
Prior General
Fr. Desiderio García Martínez, O.Carm. of the Arago, Castellae et Valentiae Province was elected Prior General for the next six years. A respected leader with a strong academic background, Fr. Desiderio holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Ecclesiastical Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Theology, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Hebrew Philology. He has a long history of service within the Order, including terms as prior provincial, novice master, and formation counselor. Most recently, he served as a Counsellor for Religious Life and a parish priest.
Vice Prior General
Fr. Franciscus Xavarius Hariawan Adji, O.Carm., the current prior provincial of Indonesia, was elected Vice Prior General. Fr. Hariawan is an accomplished academic and leader, with a diverse educational background that includes a Ph.D. in Inter-religious Studies, two master’s degrees, and three bachelor’s degrees. He is a lecturer at Airlangga University Surabaya and has held significant roles within the Order and its affiliated organizations, including as a representative for the Carmelite NGO in Asia and a member of the General Commission of JPIC.
Procurator General
Fr. Michael Farrugia, O.Carm., was postulated to continue his service as Procurator General, a position he has held for the past 12 years. Fr. Michael, who was ordained to the priesthood by Saint Pope John Paul II in 1986, holds a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University. His extensive experience includes serving as a prior provincial, provincial bursar, and as a judge in the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Archdiocese of Malta.
General Bursar
Fr. Christian Köerner, O.Carm., a native of Würzburg, Germany, was elected General Bursar. With a long and distinguished career in the Order, Fr. Christian has served in a variety of key roles, including master of novices and master of students. He was elected prior provincial of the German Province in 2000 and has previously served two terms as Vice Prior General of the Order from 2007 to 2019. He was first elected to the position of General Bursar in 2019 and will continue to serve in this capacity.
The election of these four leaders marks the start of a new six-year term for the Order’s central government, as the General Chapter continues its work in Malang.
