Sister Françoise Petit, Superioress General, accompanied by Sister Anna Wiwiek, General Councillor, visited the Province of Indonesia from August 1–10, 2026. We are deeply grateful, renewed, and strengthened by this visit.
As we know, Indonesia is home to the world's largest Muslim population (around 87% of the population is Muslim). During the visit, in addition to viewing our service ministries, she engaged in dialogue with the sisters, the poor, lay mission partners, and members of the Vincentian Family.
The Dawn of a Pilgrimage of Love
The opening chapter of this visitation commenced at the Provincialate House. The visit began with a dance to welcome Sr. Françoise and Sr. Anna, followed by a moment of prayer in the chapel with the Sisters.
Sr. Françoise warmly embraced the full dynamics of the province's mission. Meetings with the Curia Sisters and a tour of the Provincialate complex proceeded in a spirit of open and clear dialogue, highlighting the attentive care of a shepherd who truly knows her flock. She met with the sisters in small groups and engaged in personal dialogues.
A Balanced Life and a Thirst for Knowledge
Amidst these intimate encounters with the Sisters, she continuously shared deeply meaningful maternal advice for their personal formation. She repeatedly emphasised the vital importance of maintaining a balanced life—harmonising silent prayer, diligent service, and holistic self-care.
In particular, she reignited the passion for learning and intellectual growth by encouraging the Sisters to develop a strong habit of reading books. For her, reading is not merely a leisure activity, but an essential means to broaden one's mental horizons, deepen spiritual insight, and sharpen intellectual sensitivity so that the Sisters remain well-equipped to respond to modern challenges and address the needs of the poor wisely and relevantly.
Bridging Faith and Humanity in the Capital
The dynamics of the mission carried the group across islands to Jakarta. She visited the Tunnel of Fraternity, which connects the Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque — the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. It was a deeply moving moment to walk through this tunnel, remembering that Pope Francis travelled through the same path during his visit to Indonesia. She had the opportunity to converse with the imam at the Istiqlal Mosque and shared a very positive impression of interfaith relations in Indonesia.
Message to the Vincentian Family: "For Christ and Collaborate"
Addressing the youth and all members of the Vincentian Family, Sr. Françoise underlined the foundational pillar of every work of charity. She reminded everyone that serving the poor and lowly is not merely a humanitarian social action, but an act of faith directed squarely to Christ. Christ is the root of our strength when weariness sets in, as well as the final destination of all our devotion. She also underscored the humility required to serve together: "We can never serve alone; collaborate."
The Culmination of the Journey: Sending Love Back into the World
Though the visitation has concluded, the fire it ignited will continue to burn brightly in the hearts of the Daughters of Charity and the entire Vincentian Family in Indonesia. They are sent forth once again: to serve with a whole heart, anchored in Christ, and walking together in loving collaboration for the marginalised.
Thank you, Sister Françoise, for the blessings you have shared with all of us.