2023- A Brief History of Our Mission in Indonesia

The journey of the Hijas de Jesús in Indonesia began with the exploration initiated by the Asia Oriental Province in 2016. With the help of Fr. Abdon Mansurdi, SVD, and his family, the sisters visited Ruteng, Flores, and gradually established relationships with the people. Their presence also opened opportunities for vocation promotion, attracting young Indonesian women interested in the Congregation. This initial mission was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the people of Ruteng continued to express their desire for the sisters to return and establish a religious community among them.

In December 2022, during the meeting of the Provincials with the General Government in Rome, the possibility was raised for the Indico-Pacific Province to assume the Congregation’s future presence in Indonesia. This led to further dialogue and planning with the Asia Oriental Province, the General Government, and Fr. Abdon Mansurdi. In February 2023, the Indico-Pacific Province began sharing the possibility with its communities, and from March to May, the sisters engaged in a process of communal discernment. The discernment gradually confirmed a shared sense of God’s call to go to Indonesia.

In June 2023, Sisters Cecilia Tchong, Ma. Leoly Quitorio, and Emelinda Falsis went to Ruteng with Fr. Abdon to explore the possibilities of the mission, meet with Church authorities, experience the local culture, and promote vocations. Although they were initially unable to meet the Bishop, they were warmly received by the Diocese. Shortly afterwards, they received the good news that the Bishop of Ruteng was inviting the Hijas de Jesús to collaborate in the pastoral accompaniment of young people in one of the Diocese’s Catholic schools.

After further discernment and the approval of the Mother General, the Indico-Pacific Province accepted the invitation to collaborate with the Diocese of Ruteng, particularly in the pastoral formation and accompaniment of girls in Grades 10 to 12 residing in the dormitory of St. Klaus School in Kuwu, Ruteng.

A significant moment came on August 22, 2023, when the sisters received the Bishop’s written invitation and permission for the Hijas de Jesús to become part of the Diocese of Ruteng. This marked an important step toward the Congregation’s official return to Indonesia. A simple house was subsequently rented in Leda, Lembor Langke, Ruteng, to serve as the sisters’ residence and a place where the young aspirants could receive formation while gradually integrating into the life and culture of the Manggarai people.

The new presence was envisioned not simply as another religious presence in an already well-evangelized Church, but as a mission of accompaniment, formation, and fraternity, especially among the youth. The sisters seek to be companions along the way, a family to whom young people can turn, and a safe place where they can grow personally, spiritually, and in their vocation. This mission resonates deeply with the warm family and community spirit of the people of Ruteng and with the charism of the Hijas de Jesús.

The Congregation thus began its new chapter in Indonesia with gratitude and hope, preparing to collaborate with the Diocese of Ruteng at St. Klaus School beginning in July 2024, while continuing to accompany young people and nurture vocations in Flores.

Early Pictures…