Location
:
Gunungsitoli, Indonesia
It all began with a simple yet essential need: the priests in Gunung Sitoli required educators and pastoral assistants who were ready to serve the growing congregation. From this need, the seeds of the St. Joseph Community of Gunung Sitoli were planted. After a series of discussions between the Diocese and the General Council of the SCMM in Tilburg, it was agreed that SCMM sisters would be sent to Nias. As a first step, Mother Agnes McKinley, SCMM, travelled to Gunung Sitoli to observe local conditions. Her assessment became the foundation for establishing the community, which was officially founded on December 18, 1960.
The year 1960 marked a historic beginning. Four pioneer sisters, Sr. Adolfina Eyckmans, Sr. Myriam V. D. Ploeg, Sr. Marie Louise van Kuyk, and Sr. Antonia Tan arrived in Gunung Sitoli. With no convent available, they lived in the rectory and began their ministry with enthusiasm and love. Their first mission was education. In January 1961, they opened the first kindergarten with 90 students under the leadership of Sr. Marie Louise van Kuyk. The community’s response was so positive that by August 1961, Mutiara Elementary School was founded, growing rapidly until it reached ten classes by 1966.
Their service continued to expand. In May 1961, the sisters established the Santa Lidya PKK Building, a place where young women could learn practical skills such as sewing and cooking, simple yet meaningful efforts to strengthen family welfare. The education ministry continued to grow: in January 1967, SMP Bunga Mawar opened with 70 students, followed by the construction of a girls’ dormitory in 1970, enabling students from distant villages to study and live in a supportive environment. The sisters’ dedication extended beyond the classroom. They organized literacy courses, showcased their work in exhibitions, and gradually ventured into health services. This mission formally began in June 1968 and received official recognition on October 10, 1977, paving the way for a health ministry that continues today through the Tabita Clinic.
As time went on, the sisters adapted their ministries to the changing needs of the community. Some services that were no longer relevant were gently phased out so that the community could focus on more effective and impactful work. Today, the sisters serve through the orphanage, TKK Cenderawasih, the St. Anna girls’ dormitory, the Tabita Clinic, a sewing room, a canteen, parish and neighborhood pastoral work, and leadership at Bunga Mawar Junior High School, which is under the diocese.
In all these ministries, the sisters remain steadfast in their commitment to serve with simplicity, compassion, and love. They are present not only to teach and care, but also to accompany, listen, and nurture hope—one heart and one step at a time—for the good of every person entrusted to them.
Jln. Karet Nomor 33C
RT 000/RW 000 Kel. IIir
Subdistrict of Gunungsitoli
City of Gunung Sitoli-22851
NORTH SUMATRA
Phone: 0639-21483