Indonesian religious nuns have been challenged “to extend their presence to the world” at a gathering of 23 women religious superiors in the country with leaders of the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) in March.
Sister Nadia Coppa, ASC, UISG president, urged the gathering of Indonesian women superiors to be more “active” in the international forum and contribute more to the world.
She said the Indonesian Superior General Forum “should be eligible to become UISG’s new constellation,” noting that the country’s female religious congregations have about 3,000 members.
Sister Coppa said the forum is expected to become a new independent “bureau branch.”
“As soon as the new Indonesian constellation is established here, then more constructive opportunities will be available in the future,” said the nun.
Canonically established in 1965 to promote deeper collaboration among women congregations, the UISG currently houses 36 “constellations” worldwide with 1,903 members.
Indonesia has become one of the sources of religious vocations in recent years, with hundreds of Indonesian consecrated people sent to other countries as missionaries.
On the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life last year, Pope Francis publicly cited Indonesia as an example for new vocations.
The pontiff called the attention of the religious people to look to Indonesia to stop overcome fears about change that can paralyze religious life.
“If there are no more vocations, now we are expected go to some islands in Indonesia to see if we can find one,” said the pope in his homily during the Mass for the 26th World Day for Consecrated Life on Feb. 22, 2022.
Indonesia is home to the world’s largest under-30 population.
Religious women superiors in Indonesia have noted that “dozens of our Indonesian colleagues have been working as missionaries abroad.”
