Location
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Teluk Dalam, Indonesia
The establishment of the SCMM Bintang Laut Teluk Dalam community began with the idea and concern of Father Guido De Vet, OFM Cap. He saw a great need for catholic faith formation, education, health care, and guidance for boarding school children in the Teluk Dalam area. To that end, he submitted a request to the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity in Tilburg (Zusters van Liefde-SCMM) to open a convent in the area. The request was welcomed by the SCMM General Council. In 1955, two sisters, Sr. Melchiada Van Schaik and Sr. Magdalenie Van Euyesden, were sent to survey the location in Teluk Dalam. After the survey, the congregation decided to establish a community there. Construction of the first community began in 1956, led by Br. Blasius Kottenhofen, OFM Cap.
On August 15, 1956, four SCMM sisters arrived and began their work in Teluk Dalam. They lived in a simple hut while waiting for the completion of the convent. Sr. Aquine Boekhorst was appointed as the community leader, while the other sisters began their work in education and boarding schools. In September 1956, Bintang Laut Junior High School was opened, managed by Sr. Lambertin Vergeest. The school grew rapidly and was later transferred to the Karya Rukun Foundation, owned by the Diocese of Sibolga, after the Second Vatican Council.
In 1959, Sr. Aquine opened Bintang Laut Catholic High School with 13 students, including Sr. Theresia Hondro. However, the school was forced to close a year later due to a shortage of teachers. Subsequently, in 1960, the Bintang Laut Girls' Dormitory was established, managed by Sr. Elisabeth Saribathin. Meanwhile, Sr. Veneranda served as a nurse at the Polyclinic from 1956 to 1969 in Saua far from our community about 9 km Bintang Laut community, before returning to the Netherlands. After the polyclinic was closed, health services continued in the village of Hiliondrasi.
In 1988, the original semi-permanent convent building was renovated into a sturdy stone building, built by Br. Martinian Grutzner, OFM Cap. Then, around 1995, the Bintang Laut Girls' Dormitory was moved to a new building built by Fr. Barnabas, OFM Cap. and Fr. Norbert Gultom, OFM Cap.
The presence of the SCMM sisters in Teluk Dalam has had a huge positive impact on the community. Not only in the fields of education and pastoral care, but also in social and health services. One of the greatest achievements is the establishment of the Stella Maris Hospital, which is a tangible proof of the love and service of SCMM for the people of Teluk Dalam and its surroundings.
Kel. Pasar Teluk Dalam
Nias Selatan-22865
NORTH SUMATRA
Phone: 0630-7001193