The Augustinian Recollects of the Province of San Ezequiel Moreno stationed in Indonesia are out of danger following the earthquake recorded in Flores. From Kalimantan, Friar Jovy Gallego explains how they live the mission in a majority-Muslim country, marked by dialogue, evangelization, and commitment to local communities.
The strong earthquake recorded this Tuesday on the island of Flores, in eastern Indonesia, has raised concern for the population of one of the regions with the largest Catholic presence in the country. Given the numerous expressions of interest received, the Augustinian Recollects confirm that the religious of the Province of San Ezequiel Moreno stationed in Indonesia are safe, as they carry out their pastoral work in West Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo, more than a thousand kilometers from the epicenter.
Although the community has not suffered damage, the friars remain united in prayer for the victims and for all those affected by the earthquake. “Flores is part of the province of East Nusa Tenggara, a region with a strong Catholic presence. We continue to pray for our brothers and sisters, especially for those who have suffered the consequences of the earthquake,” explains Friar Jovi Gallego, an Augustinian Recollect missionary in Indonesia.
A mission of closeness in the heart of Borneo
The Augustinian Recollects carry out their mission in West Kalimantan, where they accompany Catholic communities in a context very different from other parts of Asia. Their work focuses on strengthening the faith of the faithful through pastoral care, the celebration of the sacraments, Christian formation, and community life.
“The mission here is deeply pastoral. We accompany people in their growth in faith, in sacramental life, and in the formation of Christian communities,” notes Friar Jovy.
Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. In this context, the presence of the Augustinian Recollects is characterized by respect, encounter, and interreligious dialogue, an essential dimension of evangelization in this part of the Asian continent.
Evangelizing amidst challenges and hope
The mission in Indonesia also faces significant challenges. One of these is the complex geography of the territory. Many communities are located in rural areas, connected by roads in poor condition that hinder pastoral visits and regular accompaniment of the faithful.
Added to this is the increase in the cost of living, which impacts both families and pastoral activities themselves. The religious also work to promote greater ecological awareness among the communities, inspired by the care for creation and shared responsibility for our common home.
Despite these difficulties, the missionaries live their vocation with gratitude and hope:
“We remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the Church and to be present among the people. We ask for prayers for the mission in Indonesia and, especially at this time, for all the people affected by the earthquake in Flores,” concludes Friar Jovy Gallego.
A mission that unites the universal Church
The presence of the Augustinian Recollects in Indonesia is part of the missionary commitment of the Province of San Ezequiel Moreno, which continues to announce the Gospel in various Asian countries. Far from the spotlight and the big cities, the friars share the daily life of the communities, announce Christ with closeness, and build bridges of fraternity in a society marked by cultural and religious diversity.
The news of the earthquake has also served to recall the value of this silent and constant mission, sustained by prayer, service, and hope. While Flores tries to recover from the impact of the earthquake, the Augustinian Recollects renew their commitment to accompany those who need it most and to continue being a presence of the Gospel wherever the Church sends them.
