Born and raised in North Sumatera, Indonesia, Sr. Maria is the fifth of nine siblings. The culturally vibrant and religiously diverse environment she grew up in helped shape her worldview and open her heart to Notre Dame de Sion.
Her first encounter with NDS sisters occurred at the Institute of Formation for Religious Studies (IFRS) in the Philippines, where she had signed up for a course. “They were my classmates,” she recalls, “and during a presentation, I heard them talk about ‘love for the Jewish people’. The words stayed with me. I wondered what it meant to love the Jewish people”
That spark of curiosity became the seed of her vocation. She began to explore the charism of the Congregation, especially their commitment to Jewish-Christian and interfaith relations. Sr. Maria found her own lived experience resonating deeply with their mission. “Coming from Indonesia, where religious plurality is part of everyday life, I began to see the value and necessity of building understanding across faiths,” she said. “And Sion gave me a space to live and grow in that vision.”
The Mass for her perpetual profession was presided over by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco and concelebrated by Father Herbie, the parish priest, and Father Matteo, an interfaith advocate Maria has worked with on many occasions. The attendance of people from different spheres of Maria’s life made for an atmosphere that was both sacred and joyful. Among them were parishioners from Kiloloron where one of NDS communities is based, colleagues from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) where she had worked and NDS sisters. But the most meaningful presence was that of her family, especially her aunt and one of her sisters, who came all the way from Indonesia to witness her final “yes”.
With the bishop, the priests and the sisters of Our Lady of Sion.
Guests were invited for lunch after the Eucharistic celebration. Before the meal began, there was a cultural moment: a traditional Batak ceremony honouring Sr Maria’s heritage. In a touching rite, her aunt presented her with ikan mas arsik (a traditional cooked goldfish) and ulos (a sacred handwoven cloth). In Batak culture, these symbols are often given at pivotal life events such as weddings, baptisms, and other traditional ceremonies.
The ikan mas arsik signifies abundance and the blessings of a fruitful life. It echoed the family’s prayer that Sr Maria may flourish in her life of service, faith, and love. The ulos, rich with warmth and meaning, served as a sign of protection, strength, and the family’s loving embrace, even as she walks a path that leads away from home, yet is ever rooted in it.
Reflecting on the day, Sr. Maria expressed deep gratitude. “My heart fills with thanksgiving to God who has so patiently guided me to this moment. And to all the people who have supported me, my family, my formators, my congregation and my sisters in community, spiritual guides, and friends, thank you. This moment belongs to all of us.” She also spoke of how deeply moved she was by the joyful support she received online and in person. “Even those who could not attend sent their prayers and wishes. I felt carried by love.”
As she looks to the future, Sr. Maria is filled with quiet hope and enthusiasm. “Having completed my studies and now with perpetual vows, I’m excited to dedicate my life more fully to the ministry of interfaith dialogue, especially within our Asian context,” she said.
“I have been invited to be part of Sion’s pastoral vocation team, which I see as an important ministry for the Congregation. It is another grace-filled opportunity to be with others, especially young people who are searching for God’s call in their lives.”
And now, with her vows professed and her feet set firmly on the path, Sr Maria carries with her a vow for life, one woven with tradition, strengthened by community, and filled with faith, love, and hope. Her “yes” is not an ending but a choice of direction in an ongoing journey of transformation.
Watch the celebration on YouTube or Facebook.
(NB: The Mass begins 30 minutes into the video.)