Location
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Tuhemberua, Indonesia
The St. Vinsensius Community was founded on July 15, 1990, through the initiative of Fr. Paulinus Manao, OFM Cap, the local parish priest. He recognized the importance of having sisters present in the parish to raise awareness and support the faithful, especially in the areas of education, health, and family pastoral care. Responding to this need, the SCMM Provincial Council assigned sisters from the St. Joseph Community in Gunung Sitoli as early as 1987. At that time, the sisters, led by Sr. Gertruda Fau, SCMM, served the faithful in Tuhemberua by taking turns coming every weekend.
The presence and dedication of the sisters brought significant renewal to the pastoral life of the community. Witnessing their impact, the Bishop of Sibolga,
Mgr. Anicetus Sinaga, OFM Cap, donated a parcel of land to the Congregation without time limitations. On this land were built the Bina Madia Building, a girls’ dormitory for PKK, and a convent dedicated to St. Vincent as their patron. On July 15, 1992, three sisters, Sr. Yasinta Fau, SCMM, Sr. Sylvia Telaumbanua, SCMM, and Sr. Victoria Sijabat, SCMM were officially missioned to begin the community in Tuhemberua.
Over the years, the St. Vinsensius Community has grown and has actively empowered the local community with a spirit of empathy and love. The sisters developed various ministries, including sewing skills training, Family Welfare Education (PKK) programs, Credit Union guidance together with Br. Amator, CMM, as well as parish pastoral services, catechesis, family faith formation, health education, and the management of the dormitory and kindergarten.
As times changed, some of these ministries faced challenges that made them difficult to sustain or expand. Shifting community needs, limited personnel, and changing social dynamics influenced the longevity of each program. Yet every service offered has left a meaningful legacy and stands as an inspiration for the generations who follow.
Today, the sisters in Tuhemberua focus their ministry on managing the kindergarten and retreat house, carrying out parish pastoral work, and accompanying the Legion of Mary and Divine Mercy groups. Through these ongoing ministries, the spirit of love, dedication, and service handed down by their predecessors continues to live and flourish among the faithful.
RT 16/RW 10, Dusus IV
Desa Banua Gea
TUHEMBERUA-22852
NORTH SUMATRA