Jubilee Mission Exchange of the Stella Maris–Manila Seafarers’ Wives Group

As part of the Jubilee Celebration of the Stella Maris–Manila Seafarers’ Wives Group, a Jubilee Mission Exchange was held at Divine Mercy Parish in Batam, Indonesia. The parish is under the care of the Scalabrinian Missionaries, with Fr. Indino Heribertus, CS, serving as the Parish Priest, and Fr. Ansensus Guntur, CS, as the Superior. Fr. Guntur, who was previously involved in the ministry with us at Stella Maris–Manila until November 2024, now serves as the Director and Chaplain of Stella Maris–Batam and graciously hosted us during the mission.

A total of 12 seafarers’ wives and their families participated in the exchange. We were accommodated in a beautiful guesthouse owned by the Indonesian government, typically reserved for government employees and officials attending seminars, conferences, and other official events.

The mission took place from July 28 to August 2, 2025. The main objective of this activity was to foster exposure and mutual exchange between the ministries of seafarers’ wives from both countries. It aimed to provide insight into the ministry work, language, culture, and traditions of the Divine Mercy Parish community in Batam.

Batam, one of the major islands of Indonesia, is a rapidly developing area with shopping malls, commercial centers, schools, a university, and a local airport. The city also features numerous commercial buildings and residential apartments.

Highlights of the Four-Day Encounter: Talks and Workshops / Sharing, historical and cultural tours and visits, Pilgrimage and Prayer, Ship visit, Family visit and Cultural night. Each evening, we joined the local community, including Filipino residents, for the Holy Mass at 6:00 PM at the Parish. These moments of prayer and worship brought a sense of unity and shared faith across cultures.

One of the most remarkable experiences was the Ship visit at Batam Port, where we visited the vessel GINTO, manned entirely by Filipino crew members. We were deeply moved as we interacted with them and offered prayers for their safety and well-being. The crew was overjoyed and expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit.

The Indonesian people whom we met, were incredibly warm, hospitable, and caring. There are three Scalabrinian priests currently serving in the parish, all of whom are Indonesian and hail from the island of Flores. Their support and kindness made us feel truly welcome.

This grace-filled and faith-filled experience was not only educational and enriching but also deeply meaningful. It challenged us to step out of our comfort zones like learning the language, and embracing cultural differences.

We truly felt the loving presence of God throughout our Jubilee journey in this foreign land. It was a beautiful encounter between the seafarers’ wives and families from two nations — the Philippines and Indonesia — united by faith, hope, and love.

Indeed, we walked this Jubilee journey not as tourists, but as Pilgrims of Hope.

Sr Argelia Baguio, sjbp