By Sr Sofi fcJ, from the Baciro, Yogyakarta community.
It was not by coincidence that the FCJ Sisters were invited to sing in the chapel of the State University of Gadjah Mada on 7 March, the Third Sunday of Lent. Although our number of singers was limited, we gladly accepted the invitation. A choir was then formed, consisting of seven FCJ Sisters, our postulants and scholars, and several young people whom we knew. As we selected songs that would correspond with the Gospel reading of that day, we discovered that the passage was from John chapter 4: Give me a Drink… [the title of our 2025 General Chapter document]. We felt that we had not chosen the day; rather, the day had chosen us. One of the songs we chose was ‘Cause me to Drink’, which we sang after receiving communion.
The homily that evening offered a new insight. The priest reflected on how some of the founding fathers of the faith encountered their wives at the well and, through that encounter, found new life and hope. Jesus’ encounter at the well, however, was different. His meeting with the Samaritan woman brought about repentance and transformation. An encounter with Jesus is an invitation to be refreshed. It is not only about the well or about renewal, but also about giving and receiving. When we are dry, thirsty, and distressed, Jesus invites us to drink from the water of life so that we may return home with renewed joy.
That evening, heavy rain poured down, yet the chapel remained full. The commitment of the young people who joined the choir was remarkable. Even though many of us were half wet from the rain, we sang wholeheartedly. Before the final blessing, the FCJ Sisters were invited to come forward and briefly share who we are and something about our Society. Sr Tyas explained clearly and confidently about our charism, spirituality, and ministries. It became a meaningful opportunity to be present among young people and to make our Society better known. The priest concluded by reminding us that the real challenge today is not a crisis of vocation, but a crisis of response.
