The Greccio Novitiate Formation House of the FCJM Indonesia Province, located at Jl. Gotong Royong, Sinaksak, Pematangsiantar, has stood since May 15, 1986, following its relocation from Balige. Over the years, several renovations have been undertaken to meet various needs, yet the buildings remain solid and functional to this day.

As an essential space for formation, the former chapel eventually became too limited to accommodate the growing number of novices. After being proposed by the formation team and carefully discerned during the Leadership Council Meeting of the 2018–2022 term, a decision was made to construct a larger chapel, modeled after the Provincialate chapel.

Through God’s providence and with the generosity of the Ministry Fund, construction of the new chapel commenced in 2021. Although the process was lengthy, the chapel was successfully completed, fully furnished, and made ready for use in 2025. It was then dedicated as the Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, reflecting the name and spirit of the Congregation.

On Friday, August 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM WIB, the blessing of the new chapel was joyfully celebrated. The rite was led by Pater Emmanuel Sembiring, OFMCap, Parish Priest of St. Peter and Paul Church (Jl. Asahan, Pematangsiantar), who also serves as Moderator of the FCJM.

The celebration was graced with the presence of priests from STSP, BITORA, Alverna, CMF, representatives of various FCJM sister communities in Pematangsiantar, the Binasamadi Community, FCJM aspirants and catechumens, children from Pius IX Orphanage, as well as the novice sisters and their formators.

A particularly sacred moment of the celebration was the enshrinement of a relic of Saint John Paul II within the chapel’s altar. His presence stands as a powerful reminder that vocation is not merely an ideal; it is a concrete journey of faithfulness, prayer, sacrifice, and love.

The enshrinement signifies more than devotion alone. It strengthens our liturgical awareness of the communion of saints, continues the ancient tradition of the Church, and provides both a model and intercessor for our novices—so that, like Saint John Paul II, they too may grow ever more deeply rooted in Christ.

With profound gratitude, we entrust this chapel to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, that it may continually be a dwelling place of prayer, formation, and encounter with Christ for generations to come.

Written by Sr. M. Ivoline Maharaja FCJM

Translated by Paska Elisa Soriani Sitinjak