Medical Mission Sisters Celebrate 75 Years of Mission in Indonesia
On March 10th, 2022, Medical Mission Sisters in Unit Indonesia marked the 75th anniversary of the Society’s presence in Indonesia. This was celebrated with a Eucharistic celebration in the Jakarta community. Given that only a limited number of their friends could attend in person due to pandemic, they offered an opportunity for all MMS in the Unit, Associates and MMS friends to join by Zoom. This togetherness continued with a supper prepared by MMS’ Friends.
Our Jakarta community went on to mark the anniversary by distributing 75 food parcels among neighbours, including the poorest, who are rag pickers or people who are obliged to scavenge to survive.
On this joyful occasion, Medical Mission Sisters throughout Unit Indonesia expressed their gratitude for MMS’ gift of healing charism and the presence of those Sisters who were part of the Society’s humble beginnings in Indonesia - especially, those from The Netherlands, who pioneered the mission in Indonesia 75 years ago, but also from the USA, the UK, the Philippines, India and Germany, each of whom has played a significant role in shaping MMS’ mission over the years. They have shown their loving support and great commitment in countless ways and forms.
In the meantime, Unit Indonesia is delighted to announce that a new book has been written by MMS Associate, Skolastika Ariani Dewi, which traces MMS’ rich history over 75 years. In translation, the book is entitled, Mapping MMS’ Mission Footprint in Indonesia, and it captures this historical journey through: memories of Anna Dengel and her involvement in mission; news items; information about the different communities and how they have been established and evolved; and personal stories told by Medical Mission Sisters at different stages in the journey. It is envisaged that this book will provide a very useful introduction to MMS for their friends and Associates in Indonesia, as well as for younger Members, who are learning about MMS’ history as part of their formation.
The prayer of Medical Mission Sisters in Unit Indonesia for their journey ahead is that God continues to bless them with new Members, each bringing personal experience, talents and creativity to enable the healing mission to develop and grow for the future. For this reason and in order to celebrate 75 years of MMS presence in Indonesia, on the second Friday of each month as from June 2021, Medical Mission Sisters in Indonesia are saying a special Novena prayer for vocations.