Location
:
Pasaman, Indonesia
Pasaman is located in West Sumatra Province. This area is a transmigration area and the majority of its people work as palm oil plantation laborers and are Muslim. In the midst of this diverse Muslim community, there are also Catholic families who live side by side and respect one another, but they lack spiritual guidance regarding Catholic teachings.
Seeing the needs of these Catholics, then the Bishop of Padang, Mgr. R. Bergamin, SX, invited the SCMM Sisters to accompany the faithful, especially in the field of catechesis. This offer was welcomed by the Provincial Council of SCMM Indonesia, which then sent two sisters, Sr. Alberta Telaumbanua and Sr. Nirmala Arulai.
On December 7, 1986, the St. Martha Community-Pasaman was blessed by
Mgr. Martinus D. Situmorang, OFMCap.
The Sisters began their ministry in the afternoons and evenings, adjusting to the schedules of the faithful who worked in the fields. The SCMM Sisters' ministry consisted of providing catechesis to the faithful, health services, deepening faith through family visits, preparing for baptisms and first communions, and accompanying the Legion of Mary and the Indonesian Catholic Women's Association (WKRI) groups. The presence of the sisters brought new enthusiasm to the faithful. Parish meetings are now more focused, and the faithful have become more independent and actively participate in the life of the Church.
Mahakarya, RT 000/RW 000
Desa Koto Baru, Kec. Luhak Nan Duo
PASAMAN BARAT-26368
WEST SUMATRA