By Sr. Magdalena Rini, Indonesia (Province of Indonesia)
“A small mustard seed, which was first sown on the soil of France, and which sprout only at some ends of the earth, suddenly progresses rapidly. And now, the small bush has become a big tree, which is spreading its branches, towards the four corners of the world, welcoming thousands of souls who seek a safe haven under its sheltering shadow” (St. Mary Euphrasia)
Almost 100 years ago, the small seed of the Good Shepherd mission was planted on Indonesian soil. Since then, it has blossomed and grown into a big tree that spreads its branches towards the four corners of Indonesia, welcoming thousands of souls who seek a safe place under its shadow that provides protection.
Over these years, Good Shepherd Indonesia has been actively involved in various social and community activities as well as education. Our Good Shepherd sisters and partners-in-mission work together to promote God’s love for the world, inspire peace and justice, uphold human dignity and rights, and seek changes in discriminatory and inhumane policies and systems.
It was on April 27, 1927, when six sisters (Sr. M. Ancilla Hendriks, Sr. M. Philomena Kolk, Sr. M. Du Carmel Terwey, Sr. M. Luperta, Sr. M. Gerardus Mayela, and Sr. M. Ludovika) from the then Province of Leiderdorp-Netherlands landed in Jakarta on the ship Johan van Oude-Barnevelt, where they were officially received by Jesuit Bishop Anton van Velsen, the Apostolic Vicar of Batavia (Jakarta).
From that moment on, the joys, sorrows, and struggles of the Church in Indonesia became part of the life and experience of the Good Shepherd sisters.
This year, on the 98th anniversary of the Good Shepherd’s presence in Indonesia, we launched the opening of the Pilgrimage Towards the 1st Century of the Good Shepherd Indonesia. This is the culmination of the work of the Celebration Team for the 1st Century of the Good Shepherd Indonesia, which began preparations in December 2024, both virtually and in person. Thanks to the efforts and hard work of many people, the team has been able to involve as many sisters and partners-in-mission as possible in the preparations.
The theme of the 100th Anniversary of the Good Shepherd Indonesia is “Good Shepherd for all generations“, which is the result of a reflection on the summary of input from sisters and partners-in-mission. This theme aims to describe the work of God, who has lived throughout the ages, and the commitment of Good Shepherd Indonesia to be a source of inspiration, guidance, and support for all generations. This theme also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships between different generations, so that valuable life experiences will continue and bear abundant fruit.
The launch was celebrated at the Gembala Baik Mission House in Jakarta and live-streamed on Zoom and social media. The celebration was attended by sisters and partners-in-mission from Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bogor, Ruteng, Marau, and Batam, Alumni of Santa Maria Fatima School, and volunteers and friends of the Good Shepherd in Indonesia.
Taking part in the series of events and learning more about the experiences of the sisters who came before us was truly amazing and heartwarming. Their struggle, sacrifice, and loyalty to the Good Shepherd mission have been tested.
At the opening of the launch, Province Leader for Indonesia Sr. Alfonsa Sudaryanti invited us all to look back with gratitude and look forward with hope. We are invited to experience, once again, what they experienced. We are also invited to explore their spirit and heritage and live it more passionately, as well as to be a living sign of faithfulness and the inspiring work of God throughout the ages.
The Pilgrimage Towards the 1st Century of Good Shepherd Indonesia will last for 2 years. We hope that this pilgrimage will be a blessed opportunity for all of us sisters and partners-in-mission, and every individual involved in the Good Shepherd mission to renew our love and commitment to Jesus the Good Shepherd who has brought us together and united us in his mission. We also hope that this celebration and pilgrimage will involve many individuals and have a wider impact, so that the Good Shepherd mission will be better known.
Over the next two years, we look forward to celebrating – and sharing with you – various activities, including a journey to all Good Shepherd Homes and engaging talk shows and podcasts exploring the spirit and charism of St. John Eudes and St. Mary Euphrasia, as well as the Good Shepherd mission in Indonesia. The program also features a bazaar, a short video competition, dialogues with Gembala Baik sisters and partners-in-mission, thanksgiving celebrations, family gatherings, community service initiatives focused on environmental protection, and visits to the elderly, sick, and lonely.
Next month, in the spirit of hope and with deep gratitude, we look forward to welcoming Congregational Leader Sr. Joan Marie Lopez and members of the Congregational Leadership Team. During their visits, events will take place to mark the journey towards the 100th anniversary of the Good Shepherd Indonesia and the Bicentenary Jubilee of the Contemplative Sisters.
