Strengthened by Mother Mary, Four Postulants Begin Their Novitiate Journey

October 12, 2026 | Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar

With joy and gratitude, the communities in the compound, together with the Formation House of Asia Oriental, gathered today, October 12, at 4:00 P.M., at the Manresa Retreat House Chapel on the Feast of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Our Lady of the Pillar, for the initiation of four Postulants into the Novitiate.

The feast itself offered a beautiful setting for this significant step in their vocation journey. According to tradition, as Sr. Edhen said in her introduction, Our Lady of the Pillar appeared to St. James the Apostle to strengthen and encourage him in his mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Her presence reminds us that Mary accompanies those who respond generously to God’s call, giving them courage and strength along the way.

Entrusted to Mary’s loving care were the four Postulants: Hanna Nokrek, Fransiska Emilina Sesil, Afriana Kurnia, and Kristiani Yunita Nurhayati, who formally began their initiation into the Novitiate on this blessed day.

The rite of initiation was integrated into the celebration of Vespers. After the Scripture reading, the rite started with the petition of the Postulants to the Provincial Superior, expressing their desire to continue their journey of consecration through the Novitiate. In response, the Provincial Superior addressed them with words of encouragement and exhortation.

She expressed her gratitude to the four Postulants and to their families for the generosity with which they have accompanied and supported their vocation. She also recognized the courage of these young women who have left their own countries to follow the Lord through the Hijas de Jesus Congregation—a journey that calls for faith, trust, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

The Provincial assured them that they do not walk this path alone. The prayers of all the Sisters accompany them as they begin this new stage, encouraging them to persevere, to deepen their relationship with the Lord, and to commit themselves wholeheartedly to the journey of formation.

As a visible sign of this new stage, the four newly initiated novices received the Constitutions and Directives from the Provincial Superior. They were also presented with the Cross and the Novitiate medals, signs of their commitment to follow Christ and to live faithfully the call they have received.

The Provincial then led the prayer of the rite, entrusting the four novices to the Lord and asking for His grace as they continue their journey. Vespers then proceeded with the remaining prayers, bringing the liturgical celebration to its conclusion.

But the joy of the day did not end with the prayers.

Before the celebration came to a close, the four new novices offered a dance of gratitude, expressing simply and joyfully their thanksgiving to the Lord and to all the Sisters and people who have accompanied them on their journey. Their offering brought a lighter and festive note to the celebration, reflecting the joy of young women who have said yes to God’s call.

A simple merienda cena followed, allowing everyone to share food, laughter, and fraternity with the new novices.

This celebration was more than the beginning of another stage of formation. It was a reminder that every vocation is a journey made with others—with family, formators, Sisters, and the whole Congregational community—and, above all, with the Lord who calls.

On this Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, the four new novices begin this new chapter under Mary’s maternal care. As she once strengthened St. James for his mission, may she also strengthen Hanna, Fransiska, Afriana, and Kristiani, helping them to grow in courage, fidelity, and love as they continue their journey of following Jesus and serving God and others through the Hijas de Jesus Congregation.

Our Lady of the Pillar, accompany them and strengthen their hearts.

More photos below…

The Novitiate Community, with Sr. Leoly