Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - The Franciscan presence in the large Indonesian island of Sumatra is lively, dynamic and flourishing even in a mainly Muslim society where life is difficult for Christians often regarded with diffidence. Even in the far north, Aceh (seriously affected in the 2004 tsunami) where social and political Islamic fundamentalist movements want to Islamise the institutions and impose Muslim Sharia law.
With a simple life style and with “dialogue of life”, sharing with the poor, the Franciscans communities have won the hearts of the local people. Vocations are flourishing and every year growing numbers of young Indonesians ask to know more about St Francis of Assisi and to follow in his footsteps.
This was clearly seen recently at Pematang Siantar, a town in northern Sumatra, where 67 young members of the Order of Friars Minor Conventuals renewed their religious vows for a year. Fifty of them were students at Siantar College and the other 17 were religious brothers from Deli Tua. “Those present included Franciscan priests, relations and friends from Medan, two young Italian volunteers serving in Deli Tua. The solemn Mass was deeply moving as we watched our confreres move one by one up to the altar to renew their vows with courage and faith”, said those present.
These brothers will be called to be apostles, to live the Gospel “sine glossa” in keeping with the Franciscan charisma under conditions not always easy and where some extremist Islamic minorities want to remove all trace of Christianity. “The Franciscan witness of life is a precious example of living the Gospel and loving all including and especially our enemies”, the Indonesian Franciscans say. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 19/9/2007 righe 27 parole 279)
