The Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia (KSFL) has been present and serving in Indonesia through a long history. This congregation originated from the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia Bennebroek in the Netherlands, which initially developed in Rotterdam before eventually settling and establishing its center in Bennebroek. KSFL is one of the religious orders that lives out the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and Mother Lucia Dierckx.
This congregation was born as a response to the need for service in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Initially, three sisters were sent from the Mater Dei Congregation in Breda to Rotterdam: Sr. Lucia Dierckx from St. Theresia, Sr. Dominika van Weert from St. Francis, and Sr. Benedikta van Gastel from St. Aloysius. They began their mission by caring for the sick and the abandoned, serving the poor and the elderly, and educating the community—especially women—through a sewing school. Over time, the congregation grew and eventually became an independent congregation based in Rotterdam. October 15, 1847, was established as the official founding date of the congregation, marked by the admission of two postulants into the novitiate under the guidance of Mother Lucia Dierckx. In 1920, the central convent moved to Bennebroek.
The congregation experienced rapid growth. In 1919, it purchased the convent of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart from France in Bennebroek to accommodate the expanding number of sisters. On August 1, 1919, the novitiate was relocated to Bennebroek, followed by the relocation of the central convent on May 1, 1920. From Bennebroek, the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia expanded their mission and eventually entered Indonesia.
KSFL in Indonesia: The Beginning of the Mission and Its Development
The KSFL mission in Indonesia began at the request of Mgr. Mathias Brans, OFMCap, who at the time served as the Apostolic Prefect of Padang. Mgr. Mathias Brans, OFMCap actively approached various convents in the Netherlands, seeking their willingness to send missionaries to Indonesia. The Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia Bennebroek was one of the congregations that accepted the offer. At the request of the congregation, on August 12, 1924, the Bishop of Haarlem granted permission for the congregation to expand its mission to Indonesia.
In the first phase, on August 29, 1925, the congregation sent six sisters to Indonesia. The six missionaries were Sr. Nikasia Hoogenboom, Sr. Barbara Hogebon, Sr. Charitas Hensi, Sr. Fernanda van Egmond, Sr. Cortona Willems, and Sr. Hermenigilda Hamers. They arrived on October 3, 1925, in Sawahlunto, West Sumatra, where they were welcomed by Mgr. Brans along with the local Catholic community. They later expanded their mission to Bukittinggi and Payakumbuh, establishing convent communities, managing schools, and teaching young people various skills. The sisters played a vital role in Catholic education, running dormitories, and founding vocational schools for women. Over time, the way of life and the dedication of the sisters began to inspire young Catholic women. Some felt called to become sisters themselves, leading the congregation to open a novitiate in Bukittinggi in 1938. Since then, Bukittinggi has become the center of formation for candidates of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia in Indonesia.
The journey of KSFL in Indonesia was not always smooth. When World War II broke out, the sisters faced extremely difficult times. In March 1942, Japanese troops occupied the West Sumatra region and captured many KSFL sisters. They were placed in internment camps in Bukittinggi and Bangkinang. During this challenging period, the sisters had to endure harsh conditions, including severe food shortages and the spread of disease. Four sisters died while in captivity.
After Japan surrendered on August 22, 1945, the sisters were gradually released and resumed their ministries. However, the situation was still far from normal. The sisters had to face post-war instability and the political turmoil occurring in Indonesia. During this period, the sisters also briefly carried out their mission in Banjarmasin, Kalimantan.
Despite facing numerous hardships—particularly due to the impacts of war and political unrest—the sisters remained steadfast in their mission. They refused to give up. This determination was evident in their decision to persevere and even expand their mission to various regions across Indonesia. They established communities in Medan, Lintongnihuta, and other areas. One of the key milestones in KSFL’s history was the opening of the Novitiate in Lintongnihuta in 1954. This site later became the central convent and the main formation center for local candidates, most of whom came from the Batak region.
KSFL has made a significant contribution to education, public health, pastoral care, and social work in Indonesia. The sisters have continued to serve humanity across various fields. They have established numerous schools, orphanages, student dormitories, as well as healthcare services and various therapies—facilities that remain active to this day. Inspired by the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi and Mother Lucia Dierckx, the congregation continues to grow under the protection of Saint Lucia. The journey of KSFL in Indonesia reflects remarkable dedication despite facing many challenges. The congregation has continued to thrive with an unwavering spirit of service. In 1987, KSFL officially established the Santa Lusia Foundation, which later became known as Yayasan Santa Lusia Virgini (YSLV), to manage its educational mission. The foundation has grown rapidly and, as of 2024, oversees 26 educational institutions, including special needs schools (SLB), kindergartens, elementary schools (SD), junior high schools (SMP), and senior high schools (SMA). The congregation also established Yayasan Karya Luhur Jaya to oversee healthcare services, which were previously managed under the Santa Lusia Foundation.
KSFL Becomes an Independent Congregation
As the number of members and mission works continued to grow, KSFL began to pursue independence from its founding congregation in Bennebroek, the Netherlands. After going through various processes and receiving support from bishops in Indonesia, the request to become an independent congregation was officially approved by the Holy See on February 21, 1995, through Decree Prot. n. DD 2314-1/93. Since then, KSFL has become a diocesan congregation under the name **The Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Saint Lucia (KSFL)**, based at Jl. Kain Sutera No. 8, Bane Subdistrict, Pematangsiantar City, North Sumatra.
The long journey of KSFL has brought about various changes and developments in Indonesia. From its early beginnings in the Netherlands to its growth into an independent congregation in Indonesia, KSFL has consistently demonstrated strong dedication and a spirit of service. The congregation has shown remarkable adaptability in the face of changing times, all in pursuit of fulfilling its vision and mission of service within Indonesian society.
Being a sister to all is not an easy task. True and meaningful sisterhood can only be realized when each KSFL sister is able to internalize the core of the congregation’s spirituality and charism—namely humility, simplicity, and fraternity in ongoing conversion. This spiritual embodiment is expressed through the ability to love and become a sister to everyone, as well as the willingness to engage with and personally experience the lives of others, responding to their needs through concrete acts of compassion.
The life motto of KSFL is *Alles voor Allen* (Everything for Everyone). This serves as one of the fundamental attitudes in the mission of the KSFL sisters. This spirit is practiced through a willingness to be a sister to all, to extend a helping hand to others, and to be present for everyone.
The presence of the KSFL sisters is hoped to be like an oasis in the desert, offering the water of life. This is not merely an ideal, but a continuous effort and struggle—beginning with the sisters themselves—by training their hearts to love everyone without distinction of ethnicity, religion, or culture; to embrace and value each person, especially the weak, the marginalized, and those who suffer; and to forgive others, even those who have caused them pain. In doing so, the KSFL sisters become a visible sign of the Kingdom of God within their communities, the Church, society, and wherever they are sent.
This is a brief overview of the journey and mission of KSFL up to the present day.
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