Prayers of SVD
May the darkness of sin
and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word
and the Spirit of grace
and may the Heart of Jesus live
in the hearts of all people.
(Saint Arnold Janssen)
Zrobione w WebWave CMS
Safe House
For two days, 9-10 March 2019 I attended a workshop in Jakarta about making SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for managing safe houses or shelters for victims of trafficking from CWTC (Counter Woman Trafficking Commission) - IBSI (Association of Indonesian Nuns). This activity was attended by 32 representatives of nuns from all over Indonesia. Activities held at the House of Prayer Maria Guadalupe, a retreat house belonging to the Claris Missionary Sisters of the Sisters. At Housing Duren Sawit, East Jakarta.
During the workshop there were many insights conveyed by the speakers, both from the Ministry of Social Affairs, IOM (International Organization for Migration) and sharing from three sisters representing their congregations who have long managed 'safe houses' for victims of human trafficking. Through the testimonies of the sisters who work in this ministry, my heart was more intrigued.
From the beginnig to the end of the meeting I asked myself: "O God! What do you want from me?" There was a feeling in my heart that I could not name. Along the way home from Jakarta to Surabaya by night bus which takes 14 hours, my heart flared in prayer and dialogue with God. I imagined people who have fought in this ministry. I intended to study and work with them. A long and incomfortable trip made me tired, but I was still enthusiastic.
Since the first vows in 2005 as a SSpS sister I have never been directly involved in services for victims of human trafficking. But at the school I worked in this field. I also got along with the children of the Indonesian migrant workers. Moreover, women and children who are vulnerable victims of violence are the mission for SSpS sisters. Also I prayed a lot for such intentions with the formandi. However, I did not take the concrete action, though I was moved by mercy and empathy.
The reality is that Indonesian workers are second place victims in the world of women trafficking. This fact inspires me to ask God to help me, the community and the province. I wish that many hearts could be braver in supporting "the human victims of violence and trafficking".
Sr. Sicily Andri, SSpS