Walking Together in the Light of Hope

15/09/2025

Ursuline Indonesia Provincial Conference
Jakarta, July 29–31, 2025

With a spirit of joyful sisterhood and a deep love for mission, around 150 Ursuline Sisters from across Indonesia—Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua—gathered in Jakarta to participate in the 2025 Ursuline Provincial Conference. Held at the Santa Ursula School Hall on Jl. Pos, this gathering was not merely a space for reflection but a sacred moment of living synodality in the light of hope, as echoed in the theme: "Ursuline Synodality in the Light of Hope" (Spes non Confundit – Pope Francis, 2024).

The chapter began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, affirming that religious life is essentially a call to deep listening—to God, to one another, and to the world. This sacred encounter was a moment of faith and hope shared among sisters united in the Ursuline mission.

Sr. Monika Lita Hasanah, OSU, Provincial of the Ursulines of Indonesia, opened the chapter by inviting all participants to see this gathering as a moment of thanksgiving and shared pilgrimage. She welcomed sisters from the many corners of Indonesia with a shared longing: to build a community that listens, renews, and serves with heart.

The first session began with a reflection from Cardinal Suharyo, emphasizing that the spirit of synodality begins with becoming listeners—of the Word and of one another. Listening, he reminded us, is the first step toward concrete action: understanding, discerning, and embodying the Word.

Through a spiritual process of: Absorbing (with the heart), Understanding (with reason), and Enacting (in mission), the participants were invited to become doers of the Word. In a noisy and fragmented world, the act of listening—truly listening—is a prophetic witness, one that brings life and connection.

Guided by Fr. Gandhi Hartono, SJ, the process unfolded in an atmosphere of joy and openness. Warm smiles, friendly greetings, and lively group dances were visible signs that this was more than a meeting—it was a celebration of faith and vocation, where each sister was invited to “taste and contemplate” her calling anew in the light of God's love.

Local songs from different islands enriched the spiritual atmosphere, reminding participants of the Ursuline presence across the archipelago. These joyful melodies were not mere entertainment, but expressions of gratitude and joy for life in mission.

The chapter was thoughtfully designed as a deep synodal journey, integrating heart, mind, and will in the spiritual practice of Heart – Head – Hand. Fr. Gandhi led each sister inward—to recall apostolic experiences, examine current challenges, and envision concrete steps forward.

A short film titled “Biola” (The Violin) offered a moment of deep reflection: reminding the sisters of their fragility, belovedness, and being chosen to become instruments of love and hope in today’s world. Group discussions took place in an atmosphere of stillness, honesty, and attentive listening. Through three rounds of sharing, each sister was invited to articulate her deepest intention in a simple but strong commitment: “What do I commit to, so that my mission may be more 'Soli Deo Gloria'?”

The inspiration from Luke 5:1–5—“Put out into the deep”—served as a guiding light for the second day. In a rapidly changing world full of uncertainties, the sisters were invited to move beyond the surface. This chapter was a call to sail deeper, to honestly face the apostolic realities, and to shape strategies grounded in hope.

In small group settings (called “families”), each sister reflected on Spes Non Confundit, identifying one inspiring word or phrase (POV - Point of View), then collectively selecting three key words considered the most contextual and hope-bearing. Words such as listening, care, renewal, journeying together, courage, love, and hospitality emerged as powerful fruits of communal contemplation.

The third day marked a time of affirmation. Each group shared their selected POVs, while others expressed appreciation by marking the most inspiring and relevant ones for the future of OSU’s mission. This was not a symbolic gesture, but a real expression that synodality was lived—not only through listening, but by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide discernment and decisions.

In Instrumentum Laboris (2015), Pope Francis reminds us that the mission of the Church is to form people of faith and character—honest, resilient, and open to transformation for the common good. The 2025 Ursuline Chapter wholeheartedly embraced this invitation.

As the chapter drew to a close, the sisters did not return home empty-handed. They left carrying sparks of hope, personal and communal commitments, and renewed spirits for their apostolic journey. Faces looked brighter, steps felt lighter, and hearts were ready to walk further with God and one another—even amid the many challenges of our time.

Let us walk on, renewed in grace and joy, ever more - Soli Deo Gloria!

Sr.Vero Andayani, OSU