The first Faithful Companion of Jesus came to Indonesia in December 1987. Soon after her arrival, another sister came to accompany her and, by the beginning in 1988, there was a small community of two sisters in Yogyakarta. One came from Australia and the other from England. They taught English at Sanata Dharma University which is run by the Jesuits. From 1993 to 1997, we also had a community in Kupang, West Timor.
In 1991, we received our first two Indonesian postulants, Agnes Samosir and Afra Primadiana. In 1994 they made their first vows. Since 1992 other sisters from Ireland, England and Australia have been sent to Indonesia. They work in various ministries such us teaching English, nursing, promoting natural family planning, pastoral work and, most importantly, in engaging in initial religious formation for the FCJ Society.
Sister Marion talks with women in the market in Kupang, West Timor
Sisters Afra and Agnes
on the eve of their first profession, with Sr. Paula Terroni, general superior.

In 1998 we opened a second house in Baciro, Yogyakarta. The Indonesian sisters who have recently made vows, while continuing their studies, are also involved in the ministry of education, pastoral work and the spiritual accompaniment and spiritual animation of young people. What was begun by two sisters in 1988, now numbers eighteen sisters in 2003. Thirteen of them are Indonesian. At the beginning of September 2002, we opened our third community in Purwokerto. Sisters Afra and Wina were missioned to this community.

At the end of June 2002, Indonesia became part of the province of Asia-Australia, together with the Philippines and Australia. The first fcJ who came to Indonesia, Sr. Barbara Brown-Graham has become the provincial superior of this new province.

We have a strong desire to be involved in mission and in ministry for women, to be involved in inter-religious dialogue, to offer Ignatian spirituality as the foundation for spiritual accompaniment and animation, to be companions for many people - both Christians and Moslem alike - who are now struggling in the present unstable situation in Indonesia.

We believe that the future is challenging but full of hope for our Country of Indonesia. We are encouraged by the awareness that many things can be offered through our charism, not by doing our own 'works', but by a companionship whose characteristics are working and walking with other people.

May God give us wisdom and courage to be witnesses of the Good News for the people of Indonesia.

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