24 October 2025. Having elected Sr Patricia Binchy, fcJ as General Superior, the General Chapter of the Sisters, Faithful Companions of Jesus, elected three General Assistants (Members of the General Council): Sisters Afra Primadiana, Clare Hand and Judith Routier. Sr Patricia, (General Superior Elect) and the three General Assistants will take up office in a few months, on a date still to be decided
Sr Afra was born in West Papua, Indonesia, and educated in Jakarta where she completed graduate studies in Mathematics. After entering the Society in Yogyakarta, she completed a Master’s degree in Theology at Sanata Dharma University. Afra did parish work in Kupang, West Timor, Indonesia and volunteered with the Jesuit Refugee Service Indonesia. During her time in Ende, Indonesia and Manila in the Philippines, she worked in youth ministry. Afra also has experience in formation ministry with newer members of the Faithful Companions of Jesus. She has been Local Leader, then Area Leader for the FCJ Sisters in the Area of Asia.
Sr Clare comes from Port Clarence, Co. Durham, England, then later from Middlesbrough, Teesside. She attended St Joseph’s Convent Grammar School FCJ and English Martyrs Comprehensive School, both of which were in Hartlepool. Clare gained a BA in Theology from Manchester University. She then completed Master’s Degrees in Pastoral Theology, and Religion and Education at Heythrop College London and St Mary’s College, Twickenham respectively. Clare entered the FCJ Society in 1986 and enjoyed teaching Religious Education for eight years in Gumley House FCJ School. She was missioned to Yogyakarta, Indonesia in 1997. Much of Clare’s time in Yogyakarta has been in formation ministry and spiritual accompaniment.
Sr. Judith is originally from Jersey, Channel Islands. She began her ministry as an FCJ teaching in a primary school in England. Judith subsequently spent ten years in Sierra Leone, teaching and working for the Kenema Diocese. After leaving Sierra Leone, Sr. Judith spent many years in the Philippines training leaders for Basic Ecclesial Communities. She was Province Leader of Asia-Australia. Most recently, she has been General Assistant to Sr Bonnie Moser. During this time she was also General Secretary and Area Leader for the Area of the Americas.
ELECTIONS
The day of election whether for the General Superior or the General Assistants is a very sacred time for the whole FCJ Society. On the eve of each of the days, the capitulars attend a Mass of the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of a period of silence, reflective prayer and discernment. It continues until the voting process is complete, the following day.
Following the elections, the Chapter President formally asks each elected sister whether she accepts her election as General Assistant for the FCJ Society.
At the end of the day, the sun came out and we were blessed with the appearance of a rainbow which gave us great joy.
Find out more about what a General Chapter is or the preparations for our FCJ General Chapter. Follow the Chapter news on the News of our General Chapter page.
