On November 21, 2023, SND Indonesia Province celebrated the 89th anniversary of the missionary arrival in Indonesia and opened a year of gratitude to welcome 90 years of the SND mission in Indonesia. In this grateful event, we also celebrated the jubilees of Sr. M. Yasinta, 60 years. Srs. Klaudia and Kostka, 50 years. Srs. Kosma and Monika, 40 years. Srs. Resa and Ernesta 25 years of religious life.
This Thanksgiving Celebration began with a Vigil Prayer Service at the Chapel of Our Lady of Pekalongan as an expression of our gratitude for the presence of the five Missionary Sisters from the Netherlands who began their ministry in Indonesia. We are grateful and appreciative of the struggle these pioneering sisters had to overcome so that the SNDs in Indonesia can continue to grow. Sisters from several communities on the island of Java and some from outside the island were present for this prayer.
The opening Eucharistic celebration of the Year of Thanksgiving began at 9:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Parish Church, Pekalongan, and 12 priests celebrated the Mass with the main celebrant, Fr. Agustinus Dwiyantoro from the Diocese of Purwokerto. Before the final blessing, Sr. Maria Kostka gave a speech on behalf of the Jubilarians. Then, the Provincial of SND Indonesia, Sr. M. Kharita, SND, unveiled the 90th-anniversary logo of SND Indonesia and these nine directives for the following year: 1. SNDs are deeply rooted in spirituality. 2. SNDs are witnessing and engaging 3. SNDs are fruitful in service 4. SNDs synergize for the continuity of the church’s mission 5. SNDs moving to make changes 6. SNDs are united in diversity 7. SNDs are collaborating across borders 8. SNDs are sharing and caring 9. SNDs grow in innovation and creativity.
After the Eucharist, we all went to the basement of St. Peter’s Church Pekalongan for a friendly gathering. We enjoyed the dance performance of the children from LKSA Marganingsi Lasem, Pius Elementary School, Pius Junior High School, Pekalongan, as well as our Junior Sisters and the youth of St. Peter’s Church, Pekalongan.
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