On Saturday, November 22, 2025 coinciding with the Memorial of Saint Cecilia. It became a historic and grace-filled day for the Congregation of the FCJM Sisters, especially for those serving in the Sacred Heart Community of Tomok, Samosir. After nearly five years of determined effort and steadfast prayer, the Sacred Heart Community House of Tomok was finally blessed and inaugurated as a new home for the sisters’ mission in the region.

Approximately 400 people took part in this joyful celebration, including the Episcopal Vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Pangururan–Samosir, RP. Yanuarius Berek Fransiskus SVD, who presided over the Holy Mass; Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz FCJM, the General Superior of FCJM, together with members of her council from Rome; Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan FCJM, the Provincial Superior of Indonesia, along with her council; and Sr. M. Jeannette Van Paassen FCJM, founder of Harapan Jaya, who came from the Netherlands.

The sisters serving in the Sacred Heart Community of Tomok are: Sr. M. Selestina Barasa FCJM as Community Superior, Sr. M. Emerensia Sitanggang FCJM as Assistant Superior, along with Sr. M. Yohana Beo FCJM, Sr. M. Marianti Buaton FCJM, and Sr. M. Theodorika Sihombing FCJM. These five sisters embody the compassion of FCJM through their pastoral ministry, educational service, and community life. Their daily presence among the people brings the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary into concrete acts of love.

The celebration began with a festive welcome at the Assisi School Gate. Flowers were presented to Church leaders, Congregational leaders, and government representatives as symbols of honor and joy. The procession then moved toward the community house, accompanied by the marching band of SMP Assisi Tomok. Before the Eucharistic Celebration began, the celebrants, concelebrants, General and Provincial Councils, community sisters, and liturgical ministers gathered at the main entrance for prayer, followed by the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the symbolic handing over of the key. The Eucharist was further enriched by the melodious voices of the FCJM Novices, whose singing lifted hearts into profound thanksgiving.

RP. Yanuarius Berek Fransiskus SVD, the Episcopal Vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Pangururan–Samosir, presided as the main celebrant, accompanied by concelebrating priests: RD. Sabat Saulus Nababan, RD. Iwan Swanto Lumban Gaol, RD. Sautma Toho Maruba Manulang, RP. Enno Samosir OFMCap, RD. Sebastianus Eka, RD. Junius Sihombing, and Pastor Betran from the Netherlands. In his homily, RP. Yanuarius emphasized that a convent holds two inseparable dimensions: the sacred and the communal. It is a place of intimate encounter with God—a sanctuary of holiness and spiritual quiet—but also a home of fraternity, where love is lived and shared, just as the two disciples of Emmaus rediscovered Christ in their journey together. From this community, he said, may radiate a testimony that strengthens, renews, and inspires.

Sr. M. Magdalena Schmitz FCJM, Superior General, expressed profound gratitude that the sisters finally have a proper community house after years of effort and perseverance. She expressed her hope that the sisters will continue to serve joyfully, especially in the education of children in the area. Sr. M. Evifania Sinaga FCJM added that the construction was fully supported by the Ministry Fund of America and hoped that the new house would further enkindle the fire of the FCJM charism within the sisters.

Sr. M. Theodosia Tinambunan FCJM, Provincial Superior, voiced appreciation and encouragement for the sisters in Tomok to remain steadfast in their mission. She expressed thanks to the Episcopal Vicar, priests, committee members, community sisters, and all who supported the process. In her message, she recalled the words of the late Mgr. Anicetus Sinaga OFMCap: “My daughter, pay attention to the tourism gateway in Tomok.” Through his prayers and support during his lifetime, FCJM Indonesia found the courage to begin its mission in Tomok. The pioneering sisters lived for six years in a simple parish-owned house-a period remembered as a journey marked by simplicity yet overflowing with grace.

Former Parish Priest RD. Sabat Saulus Nababan offered heartfelt appreciation to the pioneering sisters and encouraged the current community not to forget the spirit and perseverance of those who began the mission amid many limitations. Special gratitude was extended to the families of Mr. Harry Bos Sidabutar, Mr. Edison Harianja, and Mr. Walson Sidabutar, who provided significant support for the growth of FCJM’s mission. “Be sisters who guide us and patiently teach us,” expressed Mr. Nanda Sidabutar in a heartfelt message of hope.

Government representatives of the Sub-district and Village-Mrs. Veronika Nababan, Mr. Hotman Sidabutar, and Mr. Jony Tamba-expressed appreciation for the sisters’ contribution to education and community development. They expressed hope that the Foundation may one day establish a Senior High School in Tomok so that children can continue their Catholic education without needing to travel far. Religious Institutes from the Samosir Vicariate-the FSE Sisters, KYM Sisters, and Bruder Budi Mulia-also extended congratulations and prayers for the continued flourishing of the FCJM mission.

Parish Priest RD. Oktavius Pio Tarigan expressed gratitude for the sisters’ dedication and hoped that the new community building would strengthen their vocation and become a source of spiritual renewal. RP. Yanuarius Berek Fransiskus SVD then concluded the greetings with a reflective message on the question: “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” This question, he said, may also be applied to this newly blessed community: “Come and see.” May this Sacred Heart Convent radiate goodness, love, and joyful tidings to many.

Sr. M. Selestina Barasa FCJM, as Community Superior, closed the event with heartfelt thanks to the Episcopal Vicar, priests, the General and Provincial Councils, the organizing committee, Parish Church leaders, teachers, workers, the Novice Sisters, and all invited guests who shared in this joyous celebration.

May the Sacred Heart Community of Tomok continue to be a source of light for the faithful and the surrounding community—a place where love, humility, and sincere service burn ever more brightly in the spirit of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Written by Sr. M. Yosepha Gultom FCJM

Translated by Paska Elisa Soriani Sitinjak