Temporary Profession of Vows by 16 Sisters and Renewal of Vows by 39 Sisters

A Jubilee Year Commitment: Pilgrims of Hope

The profession and renewal of vows by 55 sisters in 2025 carries profound spiritual significance, especially as it takes place during the Jubilee Year 2025—a time of grace and renewal in the Catholic Church. The Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope, invites the faithful to deepen their commitment to faith and service. Within this sacred context, our sisters who professed or renewed their vows have become part of the Church’s journey of hope. Their “yes” to God is a powerful witness to Spes non confundit—hope that does not disappoint—as proclaimed in the papal bull announcing the Jubilee.

First Profession of Vows and Renewal of Vows

On this joyful journey, 16 novice sisters made their first profession of vows, committing themselves to follow Christ more closely in religious life: three sisters in Timor Leste and thirteen sisters in Pematangsiantar. Through this first profession, they officially enter the Congregation, embracing a life of consecration, community, and mission.

A total of 39 junior sisters renewed their vows in various communities across the world: four in Timor Leste, twenty-nine in Pematangsiantar, one in Germany, one in Rome, and four in Yogyakarta.

While many sisters participated in a joint renewal on May 31, 2025, several others renewed their vows earlier due to international assignments and scheduling needs.

• Sr. M. Carolina Sihotang renewed her vows for 3 years and 3 months. Her vows were received by Sr. M. Angela Benoit, Provincial of Germany Province.
• Sr. M. Riska Damayanti Manalu renewed her vows for 3 years and 3 months. Her vows were received by Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz, General Superior, at the Generalate in Rome.
• Four Junior Sisters renewed their vows in Yogyakarta (Indonesia). Their vows were received by Sr. M. Imelda Samosir, FCJM, Local Superior of the Yogyakarta Community.

A Living Witness of Hope

The profession and renewal of vows this Jubilee Year reflect a continuing journey of faith and trust in God’s providence. In a world longing for signs of hope, our sisters—through their consecrated lives—bear witness to the enduring joy of belonging to Christ. As Pilgrims of Hope, they remind us that the call to holiness is both a personal gift and a mission for the Church and the world.

A Joyful Day of Commitment

On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (FCJM) was deeply blessed to celebrate a sacred moment of vocational commitment, coinciding with the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—a feast that honors Mary’s joyful and humble service.

This meaningful occasion marked the profession of 16 Second-Year Novices (13 in Pematangsiantar and 3 in Timor Leste) and the renewal of vows by 33 Junior Sisters (29 in Pematangsiantar and 4 in Timor Leste). Their faithful response is a living testimony that the consecrated life continues to flourish as a gift for the Church and the world.

A Celebration of Grace in Pematangsiantar

At the Sacred Heart Chapel in Pematangsiantar, the Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ambrosius Nainggolan, OFMCap, Vicar of the Diocese. In his homily, he reminded the sisters that religious vocation is not merely a personal call, but a divine mission rooted in service and fraternal communion. He exhorted them to live their vocation with joy and perseverance, trusting fully in the providence of God.

The vows were received by Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan, Provincial of Indonesian Province. Following the Mass, during a heartfelt reception, she, accompanied by Sr. M. Lydia Simbolon, Vice Provincial announced the first mission assignments for the 13 newly professed sisters. This marked a significant and grace-filled beginning to their journey of ministry in community and apostolic service.

United in Spirit: Celebration in Timor Leste

Simultaneously, at the Imaculada de Conceição Cathedral in Dili, Fr. Paulus Maya, Pr., presided over the Holy Eucharist during which three novices professed their temporary vows and four junior sisters renewed theirs. Though geographically distant, the unity of spirit and joy was deeply felt, expressing the universality of the Church and the shared charism of the Congregation.

Gratitude and Blessing

These sacred professions and renewals are signs of God’s unwavering faithfulness in the hearts of those who surrender their lives to Him. The witness of these 55 sisters, offered in simplicity, obedience, and love, becomes a prophetic voice in a world yearning for hope and meaning.

To our dear sisters,

May the Lord who has begun this good work in you bring it to fulfillment. Remain rooted in Christ, joyful in mission, and faithful in your call. May your lives be living icons of hope and instruments of peace for the Church and for all whom you are sent to serve.

Congratulations and blessings to all. You are a gift to the Congregation and to the Church.

Written by Sr. M. Ivoline Maharaja FCJM

Translated by Paska Soriani Sitinjak and Sr. M. Yosepha Gultom FCJM