The Lord is my Strength and my Shield in whom my Heart Trusts

Sr. M. Secilia Siringoringo FCJM (baptismal name: Agnes Martua Hasiholan Siringoringo), was born on January 7, 1941, in Lumban Lobu. She was the first of ten children (four girls and six boys) born to the late Mr. Ludin Siringoringo and Mrs. Maria Henrika Siregar.

Postulant Entrance : September 17, 1956 in Balige
Novitiate Entrance : August 22, 1957 in Balige
First Profession : August 22, 1959 in Balige
Perpetual Profession : July 25, 1965 in Balige
Si lver Jubilee : July 22, 1982 in Balige
40th Jubilee : July 22, 1997
50th Jubilee : December 20, 2007 in Monteluco, Pematangsiantar
60th Jubilee : December 08, 2017 in Monteluco, Pematangsiantar
65th Jubilee : December 08, 2022 in Monteluco, Pematangsiantar

Places & Assignments:
1960 : Graduated from junior high school in Balige.
1966 : Graduated from the Maristella Girls’ School (SGKP) in Medan.
1966-1971 : Taught girls’ skills at a school in Balige.
1971 : Teacher of higher education skills in Balige
1976 : Completed bachelor’s degree studies at IKIP Jakarta
1979 : Senior course in Roncali-Salatiga
1980 : Secondary school teacher in Pakkat.
1980-1981 : Senior high school teacher in Balige.
1981-1989 : Served two terms as a council member of the vice province from.
1982-1988 : Principal of a senior high school in Balige
Participated in several international meetings and programs such as Pace e Bene in Rome, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. Attended the English Course in Medan, London, and Singapore.
Then, continued the Dutch course in Aerdenhout, the Netherlands.
1989-1999 : Worked at Yayasan Sinar Pelangi, beginning a career in social work.
From 1999 – 2005 : Gratia – Monteluco Community.
1999-2007 : Served as vice chairperson of the educational foundation of the province (YPHK)
on Jalan Asahan.
2007-2010 : Provided pastoral care and taught sewing in Tebing Tinggi
2010 – 2025 : Retired at St. Clara Community

Sr. M. Secilia had been undergoing routine treatment for dizziness and indigestion with a doctor specializing in internal medicine and heart disease. She was hospitalized multiple times in 2025 at Harapan Hospital Pematangsiantar with diagnoses of Hydronephrosis, HHD (Hypertensive Heart Disease), Cystitis, and issues like nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. On June 8, 2025, she received the sacrament of penance and reconciliation as well the sacrament of the sick. The next day, she was readmitted to the hospital with complaints of headache, nausea, and vomiting. Sr. Siringoringo’s health struggles and hospitalizations illustrate a challenging and ongoing medical journey in addressing her health issues, including complications related to her heart condition and other symptoms.

Sr. M. Secilia was admitted to St. Elisabeth Hospital Medan on June 10, 2025, with a diagnosis of CKD and electrolyte disturbance. Following a recommendation for dialysis and blood transfusion, she underwent dialysis at 4pm, which unfortunately led to a deterioration in her condition, prompting the medical team to stop and return her to the inpatient room. The following day, June 11, 2025, at 7:25 p.m., Sr. M. Secilia passed away peacefully, surrounded by prayers from her sisters and family. Described as devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, she was known for her gentle and loving nature, strong faith, and belief in Divine Providence. Her life was seen as a mystery of divine providence, where God provided everything, even if not fully understood.

Sr. M. Secilia, the 19^th member of the Indonesian Provincial Congregation, was characterized by her devotion to prayer, love for the Blessed Sacrament, resilience, discipline, and faithfulness in serving God through prayer, service, and community. She excelled in maintaining personal health, cleanliness, and craftsmanship, creating items such as rosaries, scarves, and sweatshirts with creativity and skill. In addition, she authored books, including “Mawar Lestari FCJM Balige” in 1989. Active in education for women and social initiatives, such as co-founding the Sinar Pelangi Foundation Rehabilitation Center in Jakarta with Sr. Andre Lemmers, she dedicated her life to serving others. In 2005, she co-published a book of memories titled “Menabur Kasih Menuai Damai” in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Congregation’s presence in Indonesia.

Sr. M. Secilia embraced retirement as a form of evangelization, expressing gratitude for her life. With a reflection titled “Proclaiming God in Ageing,” she emphasized her faith through her actions. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was profound, evident in her request for sisters to sing Mary’s song as she neared her final moments. Sr. M. Secilia’s dedication to God and adherence to her vocation shone brightly, serving as a beacon of faith to others. Her life, in the spirit of St. Francis and Mother M. Clara, serves as a guiding example of living in love with God, engraving her name in the hearts of those who knew her. As she journeys onward, may she find peace and rest in heaven, leaving behind a legacy of faithfulness and love.

Written by Sr. M. Ivoline Maharaja FCJM

Translated by Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga FCJM