Different Charisms, One Mission: Dehonians and Good Shepherd Sisters (RGS) Respond to Flores Earthquake
Collaboration in the times of disaster
In the wake of the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on August 15, 2026, the Dehonians (SCJ) joined forces with the Good Shepherd Sisters (RGS) to deliver vital humanitarian aid and a comforting pastoral presence to affected communities across Manggarai and East Manggarai.
On September 3–4, a joint team led by Fr. Koko SCJ, Fr. Thomas Mersudi, SCJ, and Mr. Sebastian Sanders worked alongside Sr. Natalia, the RGS Sisters, and Yayasan Gembala Baik Indonesia to reach remote areas where relief was urgently needed.
The mission delivered food packages, basic necessities, 700 blankets, and 80 tarpaulins to 529 families—many residing in isolated locations—as well as to St. Pius XII Minor Seminary in Kisol. The team also visited the emergency field hospital in Ruteng, established after structural damage rendered the main hospital building unsafe. There, they offered prayers and words of encouragement to patients and roughly 250 healthcare workers tirelessly serving under tough conditions.
Spirituality Sharing
Beyond material aid, the mission was a living witness to Sint Unum—”May they all be one.” The Good Shepherd Sisters’ deep local roots and established social ministry merged seamlessly with the Dehonian commitment to bring the compassionate Heart of Jesus to those who suffer.
This solidarity will extend far beyond the immediate crisis response. In the coming months, the Indonesian Province of the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) plans to support two major reconstruction projects in the heavily damaged region:
- Rebuilding the Good Shepherd Sisters’ damaged shelter, which serves women and children surviving domestic violence and abuse.
- Supporting the restoration of severely damaged classrooms and the chapel at St. Pius XII Minor Seminary in Kisol, a vital center of formation serving over 800 seminarians and students.
For the Dehonians, “Adveniat Regnum Tuum” (“Thy Kingdom Come”) is more than a motto—it is an active commitment. In Flores, it means staying long after the initial crisis fades to accompany communities as they rebuild their homes, sanctuaries, and hope.
Different charisms, one unified mission: to stand beside wounded humanity and make the love of the Heart of Jesus tangible where it is needed most.
