In the lead-up to the 100th anniversary of their mission in Indonesia, the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Elizabeth (FSE) brought together the families of their members for a three-day gathering marked by prayer, reflection, and gratitude.
Held at the Samadi Maranatha Retreat House in Berastagi, North Sumatra, the event underscored the vital role families play in nurturing religious vocations and sustaining the sisters’ mission of “healing love.”
“This is a great grace from God, allowing us to be united as one big FSE family,” said Superior General Sr. M. Xaveria Lingga FSE in her welcome remarks.
The gathering, themed “Healing Love: Rooted, Growing, and Flourishing,” brought together dozens of parents and relatives of sisters serving in the Medan-based congregation. It forms part of a series of events leading up to the FSE centennial celebration in 2026.
On the second day, a day of recollection focused on the role of the family as the “source of vocation.” The session, led by Franciscan priest Fr. Gindo Saragih OFMConv, invited families to reflect on how faith is first nurtured at home.
“It is within the family that the first seeds of vocation are planted,” Fr. Gindo said. “The family becomes the fertile ground where faith takes root, grows, and leads a child to choose a path joyfully and faithfully.”
The session continued in small group discussions, where families shared personal testimonies marked by both pride and struggle. The day ended in a festive evening of song, games, and laughter. “This evening is not just about fun — it’s about the joy of living together in God’s love,” said one participant.
A highlight of the final day was a blessing ritual, during which parents offered prayers, embraces, and words of encouragement to their daughters. Many were in tears. “Even though they live as sisters, they are still our daughters — and we will always be their parents,” said one mother.
The congregation also offered an orientation on its history and mission, led by Sr. M. Katarina Da Duka FSE. She traced the community’s origins from the Netherlands to its presence in Indonesia, emphasizing its charism of caritas et sanitas — love and healing — especially for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
During the closing ceremony, Sr. Xaveria handed each family a commemorative rosary and souvenir bearing the official centennial logo. She said the symbol and theme reflected the congregation’s enduring commitment to Christ’s healing mission.
“It is the healing love of Christ for the poor and the suffering, even unto death on the cross, that drives our life and mission,” she said. “With strong roots, we grow and flourish in love. This is the hope that does not disappoint — the healing love of God that continues to be our strength in service.”
The gathering reaffirmed the deep bond between the FSE sisters and their families — a connection rooted in faith and nurtured in shared mission.
