Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Indonesia Archives - Missionaries of the Sacred Heart

The MSC Indonesian Province celebrates 50 years of ministry

Nov 18, 2021

In October, the MSC Indonesian Province celebrated its 50^th anniversary. Founded on October 6^th 1971 by the MSC General Conference in Rome, the Indonesian Province has since gone from strength to strength, working to provide vulnerable communities with everything from opportunities in education to emergency aid in the face of natural disasters.

As the Indonesian Province continues to grow and to serve in the love of the Lord, we wish our MSC brothers there every blessing, and heartfelt congratulations on this very special anniversary. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved!

Below, you can read a letter from Yoseph Harbelubun MSC, originally published on the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australia website in celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the MSC Province of Indonesia.

“In this part of the world, we have our largest province, Indonesia. We have PNG, Australia, Pacific Islands.

On October 6th, 2021, the MSC Indonesian Province celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the province. Before it became an autonomous province, MSC Indonesia was under the Dutch MSC Province. However, after going through various preparations, the MSC General Conference in Rome in October 6th, 1971 erected the MSC Indonesian Province and appointed Fr. P.S. Hardjasoemarta to be the first Provincial Superior.

The Acts of the MSC General Conference, held in Rome from 5 to 15 October 1971, states: ‘On October 6th, 1971, the General Conference erected the MSC Province of Indonesia. Consequently, Fr Hardjasoemarta is the first provincial superior of the new province.’ The preceding text says: ‘Indonesia has been a Vice-Province, or Provincial Administration since 1961. The special Provincial Chapter held in June 1971 judged that the time had come to ask for the erection of the Indonesian Province. The number of native-born Indonesians has been steadily increasing: 32 priests, 21 brothers, 20 students. Furthermore, there are still many foreign-born MSC working in Indonesia (136). These are free to decide whether they become members of the new Province or remain members of their Province of origin’ (Analecta MSC, N. IV, Anno LXIX – 1971, p. 322). Since then, MSC Indonesia has been independent, managing its life and ministry independently, apart from the Dutch Province.

‘Becoming Disciple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who Remembers, Celebrates, and Renews His Being and Doing.’

Many events have shaped the MSC Indonesian Province as it is today and towards the future. Therefore, celebrating the 50th foundation anniversary is a historical moment that deserves to be remembered and celebrated – remembering the great works of God experienced in the history of God’s People, especially the journey of the MSC Congregation in Indonesia. This 50th foundation anniversary is not only an opportunity for Indonesian MSC to remember and celebrate, but also to renew their being and actions. Therefore, the theme is ‘Becoming Disciple of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who Remembers, Celebrates, and Renews His Being and Doing.’

In order to make this 50th foundation anniversary meaningful, the Provincial Superior with his Council launched the Jubilee Year in October 6th, 2020. The opening ceremony of the 50th Jubilee began with the celebration of the Eucharist, followed by a short ceremony to mark the start of the Jubilee Year. The launching ceremony took place in the Chapel of the Mother House in Jakarta and was broadcast virtually. In addition, following the launching ceremony, members of the province also marked the opening of the Jubilee Year in every District and Local Communities with different planned activities.

The Provincial Superior with his Council formed a committee in the province, headed by Fr. Florianus Miranta MSC (the vicar) to coordinate various activities to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the MSC Indonesian Province.

The committee worked to construct the history of the MSC Indonesian Province; to organize materials for reflection on the theme of the jubilee year; to construct a survey questionnaire and to present the results on the ‘being and doing’; to compose prayers; to prepare liturgies and to deepen understanding of the special prayers of the MSC; to prepare events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the province ; to produce publications and documentation; to hold social services and to raise funds to support activities of the 50th anniversary of the MSC Indonesia Province. Apart from the Province Committee, local committees were also formed in each District and Local Community.

The journey and growth of the MSC Indonesian Province cannot be separated from cooperation and partnership with the dioceses, institutions, diocesan priests, religious congregations, lay people and other partners. Therefore, this 50th Jubilee celebration is not merely a celebration of MSC but is expected to also involve our partners and all the faithful people. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic situation, many activities were carried out internally, such as the preparation and publication of a book series on the history of the MSC Indonesian Province; prayers and novenas for the Jubilee Year; webinars on special prayers of MSC; recollection and reflections to deepen the theme of the Jubilee Year in the District and Local Communities; webinars on the theme ‘communio, missio, leadership and the future’. The committee has been preparing a memorial book and a ceremony for the 50th Anniversary of the Province. In addition to the activities coordinated by the Committee in the Province, each District and Local Community also carried out various activities to celebrate the Jubilee Year according to their context.

Thus, as a Province that is growing and developing, and remembering the historical milestones that have formed the province, together with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, all members of the MSC Indonesian Province exclaim: ‘My soul magnifies the Lord……. For the Mighty One has done great things for us’ (Luke 1:49). Let us gratefully remember this historical moment: ‘May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved!’ (Ametur ubique terrarum Cor Jesu Sacratissimum).”

Yoseph Harbelubun MSC
(Province of Indonesia)

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Images via the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Australia website.
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MSC World Projects Appeal 2019: Natural Disasters in Indonesia

Jan 22, 2019

In 2018, the people of Indonesia suffered the devastating effects of a series of disasters. On September 29th, an earthquake and tsunami killed almost 2,300 people in the regions of Palu, Sigi, and Donggala. With over 220,000 displaced, over 1,300 are still missing. On December 22nd, a deadly tsumani swept along Sunda Strait, injuring over 14,000. MSCs in Indonesia are working to rebuild lives in the wake of these catastrophies.

Drilling water wells

The lack of a clean water supply is an urgent issue. MSCs in affected regions are raising funds to drill water wells in three points, including water storage tanks and public toilet facilities for use by local communities.

Each water well will cost approximately €18,200, and will provide vital clean water and essential hygiene facilities for the affected areas.

Building houses

Thousands of houses have been destroyed beyond repair, and many survivors are currently living in temporary accommodation. The Indonesian Province of the MSC propose to build seven houses in affected regions.

Each house will cost approximately €3,050 to build and will offer renewed hope to a displaced family.

Scholarships for affected children

Education has been severely impacted by the disasters, as children have been orphaned or have been forced to leave school in order to work and help to support their families. Together with the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Indonesian Province of the MSC will provide scholarships for vulnerable children to allow them to continue their education. The MSC will have the responsibility of funding 100 students for three years.

€15 will cover the cost of one month’s education for a scholarship student.

Essential household goods

Many families affected by these disasters have lost everything, even the most basic necessities. The Indonesian Province of the MSC will help 100 affected families by providing essential kitchen tools for cooking and eating.

€50 will provide kitchen essentials including cooking and eating utensils for one family.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MSC MISSIONS IN INDONESIA