(Seven FCJM Sisters Profess Perpetual Vows at Monteluco, Pematang Siantar, Indonesia)

The words of Jesus, “It was not you who chose Me, but I who chose you” (John 15:16), resonated profoundly in the hearts of the faithful gathered on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Chapel in Monteluco, Pematang Siantar. On this joyful and sacred occasion, seven sisters from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (FCJM), Indonesian Province, solemnly professed their perpetual vows during a Eucharistic Celebration presided over by Rev. Fr. Mikael Manurung, OFMCap, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Medan, and concelebrated by 39 priests. Among those present were parish priests from the sisters’ hometowns and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Sembiring, OFMCap, Moderator of FCJM Indonesia, whose presence added spiritual depth to the celebration, marking it as a profound act of thanksgiving for God’s personal and transformative call.

The seven sisters are Sr. M. Givani Simanullang, Sr. M. Yance Permianti Yohana Bangun, Sr. M. Irawati Purba, Sr. M. Carola Sidabutar, Sr. M. Trifa Witanti Sarumpaet, Sr. M. Rosida Sinaga, and Sr. M. Annamary Buaton stood reverently before the altar to offer their lives wholly and irrevocably to God. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Mikael offered a deeply moving reflection on the infinite love of God, a love that calls, forms, and sends forth. Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan, FCJM, Provincial Superior, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the meaningful message and encouraged the newly professed sisters to remain firmly rooted in their vocation, continually living out the spirit of selfless and loving service for the glory of God and the good of the Church.

The celebration continued with a festive gathering filled with joy and gratitude, hosted by Sr. M. Monika Harianja, FCJM, and Sr. M. Imaculata, FCJM. Performances by children from Pius Orphanage, boarding school students, and novice sisters added to the spirit of unity and festivity. Rev. Fr. Marianus Kedang, parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church on Kain Batik Street, together with fellow pastors, shared spiritual reflections that encouraged the newly professed sisters to remain steadfast in gratitude and faithful in their vocation. With heartfelt emotion, the parents of the sisters offered words of thanks to the FCJM Provincial Leadership, as well as to all priests, sisters, and companions who had journeyed with their daughters and helped them respond wholeheartedly to God’s call.

As a tribute to local tradition, the mangulosi ritual was held a cherished Batak cultural expression of blessing and familial support. Sr. M. Maxiliana Sigalingging extended sincere appreciation to all committee members and collaborators who had prepared the celebration with dedication and love. The newly professed sisters also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who had journeyed with them: priests, family members, and fellow religious, for their presence, support, and prayers.

The presence of over 850 faithful bore witness to the profound truth that God’s call is not only deeply personal, but also communal, moving the heart of the entire Church. Perpetual vows are a response to the divine love that first calls. Through their total self-gift to Christ, these seven sisters now stand as living signs of hope, a testimony that a life consecrated to God is never in vain, and that His faithful love will sustain them until the end.

Written by Sr. M. Yosepha Gultom FCJM

Translated by Paska Soriani Sitinjak