The Significance of Pope Francis’ Visit to Indonesia for the Dominican Sisters Indonesia Congregation

By Sr. M. Elisabeth Yaya Budiarte, O.P., Prioress of the the Dominican Sisters Indonesia

Living the Spirit of Compassion

Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia holds deep spiritual and practical significance for our Congregation, the Indonesia Dominican Sisters, who live out the legacy and vision of our founder, Father Dominikus van Zeeland from the Netherlands. Father Dominikus dedicated his life to compassionate care for the poor, especially vulnerable children in need of education and the sick in need of care and affection. The Pope’s message during his trip aligns profoundly with the Dominican Sisters’ mission, reaffirming their calling to serve the marginalized through love, humility, and compassionate care.

The Dominican Sisters and Their Mission of Compassion

The Dominican Sisters Congregation, founded by Father Dominikus van Zeeland, has long been devoted to acts of mercy and service, especially to the neglected and those suffering from poverty. Father Dominikus instilled a spirit of selfless compassion in the congregation, encouraging the Sisters to prioritize the needs of children, the poor, those who lack basic education and care for the sick. In our daily lives, we strive to live out these values by providing education, health services, and emotional support to those who are often forgotten or overlooked. In a country like Indonesia, where socioeconomic inequality remains a pressing issue, the Dominican Sisters’ mission is vital in ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the love, attention, and dignity they deserve.

Our Congregational theme for 2024 is Living the Spirit of the Sinodality and Compassion of the Founder. So Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia came with a powerful message that resonates deeply with the Dominican Sisters’ ethos. His emphasis on compassion for the poor, the importance of education, and the need for solidarity with the marginalized is a mirror of the vision of Father Dominikus.

During his visit, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of caring for the weak and vulnerable in society—especially children, refugees, the disabled, and the elderly. This message serves as a reaffirmation of the Dominican Sisters’ work, inspiring them to continue their efforts to uplift those in need. By caring for children who lack attention and affection, the Sisters are living out the very compassion that Pope Francis spoke of during his trip.

One of the apostolic works in the congregation is the Pondok Si Boncel orphanage. These children were handed over to us because their families were having economic difficulties, or were divorced. Some of the children were even abandoned in public places or left in hospitals. Those abandoned children are the ones we care for and love. Why did we, two Sisters and five children, get to greet the Pope personally at the Vatican Embassy? Because the Congregation has sent two of our Sisters there to serve in Nunciatura for the past five years. A very good relationship has been established with the Nuncius. Certainly through the blessings of the children we care for, it has brought us both that close and we have received special blessings. Thank our children and Praise the Lord

Strengthening the Call to Serve the Marginalized

Pope Francis’ constant advocacy for the poor and the marginalized echoes Father Dominikus van Zeeland’s spirit that calls us to serve the least fortunate. The Pope’s words of solidarity with the vulnerable inspire the Sisters to deepen their commitment to caring for the poor, especially those on the margins of society who are often forgotten by the world.
The Dominican Sisters, in following the example of Father Dominikus, embody the essence of Pope Francis’ vision for the Church—one that is close to the people, especially the most vulnerable. The Pope’s visit reinforces their belief that compassion and love must be at the center of all actions, not only as a religious duty but as a fundamental expression of their humanity.

The Power of Compassion in Action

For the Dominican Sisters, Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia is a powerful reminder that compassion must always be translated into action. His words serve as a call to continue their work with renewed energy, to strengthen their outreach to the poor, and to continue to educate children who are neglected by society. The Dominican Sisters’ efforts to care for the vulnerable are not just acts of charity but are, in fact, manifestations of deep compassion, in line with both the Pope’s teachings and the spirit of the founder, Father Dominikus.

By providing care for the sick, offering education to disadvantaged children, and embracing those on the periphery of society, the Dominican Sisters are not only living out the mission of their Congregation but are also answering Pope Francis’ call to be a Church that serves, loves, and reaches out to those most in need.