Yesterday, February 15, 2026,  we started our first collaboration with St Jerome’s Orphanage in Ruteng. St Jerome’s orphanage is managed by the Somascan Fathers in Cimpar, Ruteng, 30 minutes away from the FI community Residence.  The FI community in Ruteng, together with ten Grade 10 girls from St Klaus, started the program with a session of Catechesis.  We gathered at around  21 Children from the Orphanage and several seminarians who joined us. The Sisters, FI postulants, with the help of Grade 10 girls, started the Catechesis, witnessing firsthand the power of community and compassion in the orphanage, shared values that brought them all together despite their different backgrounds.  The orphans’ bright smiles and eager participation made every moment of their discussion truly special.

Fr. Tas and Fr. James, Somascan Fathers, were also present, showing their support to their boys during Catechesis. They truly appreciate the collaborative work of the FI- Indonesia Community, expressing their desire to continue this collaborative work with them.

Working alongside the Somascan seminarians, the sisters helped serve the food. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and joyful conversation as we ate together. Later, everyone enjoyed and appreciated the song and dance numbers. The sisters and the girls also joined, especially in dancing their favorite dance

What started as a planned activity quickly turned into a heartfelt exchange of friendship and mutual respect. The experience reminded us that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture- sometimes a warm meal, a listening ear, and a genuine desire to connect can touch hearts in the most profound ways. We left the orphanage not only full of experience but also with full hearts, knowing that we had not only given something to the boys but had also received so much in return.

The FI-Indonesia community is thankful to the Pastoral Ministry of Manresa School for their financial support.

FI-Indo Cmty

Feb 15, 2026