The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis Charitas (FCh) traces its roots to the Congregation of the Penitent Recollect Charitas Roosendaal, an active diocesan religious order. This order was founded by Mother Theresia Saelmaekers on December 1, 1834, in Oosterhout, Breda, Netherlands. As it developed, the congregation established its center in Steenbergen. It was officially recognized as a legal entity on March 26, 1855, under the name Charitas.
In Indonesia, the congregation experienced significant growth until it eventually became an independent congregation. On December 1, 1991, it was officially established as a diocesan-level congregation in the Archdiocese of Palembang under the name Penitent Recollects of Mary Immaculate. This congregation is also known as the Sisters of Saint Francis Charitas (FCh).
Founder of the FCh Congregation
Mother Theresia Saelmaekers, born as Barbara Saelmaekers, was the founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Charity (FCh). She was born in Leuven, Brabant, Belgium, on September 7, 1797. Barbara was the sixth of ten children in a modest and devout family. Her father, Johanes Josefus Saelmaekers, and her mother, Maria Elisabeth Bertels, worked as locksmiths.
At the age of 29, Barbara, along with her sister Anne Marie and three friends, traveled to Breda, the Netherlands, in response to the call of Mother Agustina from Dongen. They dedicated themselves to caring for the sick, the poor, and the destitute at the Breda hospital. They arrived there on November 13, 1826, and after four years of service, they, along with two other nurses, began their novitiate. This marked the beginning of a spiritual community that would later be known as the "Congregation of the Gasthuiszusters van Breda" or the "Hospital Sisters of Breda."
On July 8, 1830, Barbara received her religious name, Sister Theresia Saelmaekers. A year later, on August 15, 1831, she and her companions made their temporary profession.
As their ministry grew, the Congregation of the Hospital Sisters of Breda opened a branch in Oosterhout. On December 1, 1834, Mother Theresia Saelmaekers and Sister Juliana arrived in Leijsenhoek, Oosterhout, to begin their service to the poor, sick, and destitute.
In 1845, the Oosterhout community separated from Breda and became an independent congregation under the name "Charitas." The motherhouse of this congregation was established in Oosterhout. Meanwhile, the “Gasthuiszusters van Breda“ congregation changed its name to the “Alles voor Allen“ (Everything for Everyone) Sisters Congregation in 1855.
Meningkatnya kebutuhan pelayanan menyebabkan Muder Theresia menerima lebih banyak novis dibanding batas yang ditetapkan oleh rumah sakit Oosterhout. Hal ini memicu pertentangan yang besar dengan pihak rumah sakit hingga akhirnya pada 19 April 1853, Muder Theresia bersama Suster Antonia Bottemannen dan dua novis meninggalkan Oosterhout secara diam-diam dan menuju Steenbergen.
With the support of Mgr. Van Hoydonk, they resumed their ministry in Steenbergen. The ministry flourished rapidly as the number of members grew. Finally, on March 26, 1855, the name "Charitas" was officially recognized as a legally established institution.
Mother Theresia Saelmaekers concluded her tenure as Superior General on April 6, 1868, at the age of 70. She passed away on July 29, 1886, at the age of 89, and was buried in the parish cemetery of Steenbergen, the Netherlands.
Her initial aspiration to dedicate herself to the poor and care for the sick, especially those who were abandoned, later became the foundation of the spirituality of the FCh Congregation. The charism she passed down was encapsulated in the spirit: "In joy, simplicity, and above all in love, serve your fellow human beings, while praying and making sacrifices, revealing the joy of your own life among the sick and the poor."
From this charism flows the spirit of 'compassio indivisa' or 'undivided compassion.' This is the essence of the life and ministry of the Sisters of the Saint Francis Charitas Congregation in the Church and the world.
The Five First Missionaries in Indonesia
In 1905, the Motherhouse of the Charitas Congregation moved from Steenbergen to Roosendaal, the Netherlands. From this location, the first five Charitas sisters were sent as missionaries to Indonesia. They were Sister M. Raymunda, Sister M. Chatarina, Sister M. Alacoque, Sister M. Caecilia, and Sister M. Wilhemina.
On June 11, 1926, these five sisters departed from the Charitas Motherhouse in Roosendaal, accompanied by Father Hermelink, SCJ. They embarked on a sea journey that lasted approximately four weeks. They arrived at Boom Baru Port, Musi River, Palembang, on July 9, 1926.
The initial mission of these missionaries focused on healthcare services. At that time, the people of Palembang had limited awareness of the importance of health. With great enthusiasm, the sisters provided education and supported young mothers during pregnancy and childbirth.
In addition, they were also actively involved in visiting homes and providing pastoral care in the parish. In their daily routines, the sisters traveled by bicycle through narrow streets and bamboo bridges in swampy areas. Despite limited resources and challenging conditions, they remained faithful and dedicated to their mission of service.
As their ministry grew, the need for more adequate healthcare facilities became increasingly urgent. The sisters then purchased a plot of land on a hill to build a new hospital. Its location was across the street from the first convent.
On January 18, 1937, Mgr. M. Mekkelholt, SCJ, the Apostolic Vicar, laid the foundation stone for the construction of Charitas Hospital. This project was later inaugurated by the Palembang Government Leadership Council, marking a significant milestone in the missionary work of the Charitas sisters in Indonesia.
The Independence of FCh Indonesia
As their ministry and the number of members continued to grow, the Charitas Sisters Congregation in Indonesia reached a stage of independence. On December 1, 1991, the Congregation of the Penitent Recollect Sisters of Charitas Roosendaal in Indonesia officially became an independent congregation.
This independence meant that the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis Charitas (FCh) in Indonesia fully separated from the Charitas Motherhouse in Roosendaal, both juridically and operationally. Thus, FCh became a diocesan religious congregation based in Palembang and under the pastoral care of the Archdiocese of Palembang.
As part of their new identity following independence, the name "Saint Francis" was added to the Charitas congregation in Indonesia, thus becoming the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Francis Charitas (FCh). This name was officially confirmed and has been in effect since December 1, 1991.
The Way of Life of the FCh Sisters
As part of the Third Order Regular of Saint Francis of Assisi, the sisters of the Congregation of Saint Francis Charitas (FCh) live under the guidance and protection of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In their life vocation, they are committed to living the Gospel life rooted in conversion, poverty, humility, and prayer. As members of FCh, the sisters embody three main spirits:
- Penitent – Merendahkan diri di hadapan Allah dengan bertobat terus-menerus sambil menjalankan laku tapa dan matiraga.
- Recollect – In an attitude of inner stillness before God, following the example of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, focusing their attention on God and His kingdom.
- Charitas – Undivided compassion for the sick, the poor, and those in need of help.
Community and Members
As of 2025, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Charitas (FCh) has grown into 39 communities spread across four countries: Indonesia, Suriname, the Netherlands, and the United States.
In Indonesia, the FCh Sisters serve in several provinces, including South Sumatra, West Sumatra, Batam (Riau Islands), Lampung, Bengkulu, Bangka-Belitung Islands, DKI Jakarta, the Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Kalimantan, and Papua. They carry out their mission in several dioceses, namely the Archdiocese of Palembang, the Diocese of Pangkal Pinang, the Diocese of Tanjung Karang, the Diocese of Padang, the Archdiocese of Jakarta, the Archdiocese of Semarang, the Diocese of Timika, and the Archdiocese of Samarinda.
Their mission also extends abroad, including the Diocese of Paramaribo in Suriname, the Diocese of Breda in the Netherlands, and the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi, in the United States. As of 2025, the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Charitas (FCh) has 284 sisters and 9 postulants.
Ministry Services
- Healthcare pastoral ministry: hospitals, clinics, independent medical services, and independent nursing services.
- Educational pastoral ministry: playgroups, kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools, and senior high schools (in Jakarta, Batam, and Belitang), as well as the Faculty of Health Sciences at Musi Charitas Catholic University (UKMC) in Palembang—operating in collaboration with the SCJ Congregation and the Archdiocese of Palembang (consortium).
- Social pastoral ministry: nursing homes, babysitter training courses, and assistance at Pasang Surut Orphanage (owned by the Archdiocese of Palembang).
- Categorical pastoral ministry: CU Bina Danarta, canteens, boys' and girls' dormitories, daycare centers, Giri Nugraha Retreat House in Palembang (in collaboration with the SCJ Congregation), shelters, and an ecopark.
- Parochial pastoral ministry, including: KKI, KomKel, and active involvement in parish activities (BIA, youth ministry, catechumens, first communion, confirmation, and devotional communities), as well as presence-based pastoral care.
Symbols and Identity of the FCh Sisters
- The habit of the Sisters of St. Francis Charitas consists of a habit with a white sash and a habit with a gray sash. The gray color symbolizes the inheritance of the spirit of Johanna of Jesus as a Recollect Penitent.
- The identification sign of the Sisters of St. Francis Charitas is a black cord necklace with three knots, symbolizing the three religious vows, and a Tau Cross with the letters "C" and "h," representing "Charitas." The black cord symbolizes simplicity, while the Tau Cross signifies repentance.
- The profession ring is a symbol and sign of unwavering fidelity as the bride of Christ.
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Francis Charitas is also present on various social media and digital platforms to spread the spirit of service. Through their website susterfch.or.id, Instagram (@suster_charitas), YouTube (Suster Charitas), Facebook (suster_charitas), and TikTok (suster_charitas), the Charitas Sisters share inspiring stories and the latest updates about their mission. These platforms serve as a means to reach more people, especially the younger generation, and invite them to participate in the congregation's works of love. With a burning spirit and adaptation to the modern era, the FCh Sisters continue to be the light of Christ’s love and a witness of true compassion in the world.
Media Sosial Kongregasi FCh:
