A seminar in Pontianak to train anti-corruption nuns (photos)

by Suor Maria Seba, Sfic

The women religious in charge of the financial affairs of their order and other Church bodies took part in the seminar organised by the Bhumiksara Foundation, a Catholic charity serving Church and state. The workshop applied the "Ignatian reflection" method ending with an "action plan".

Pontianak (AsiaNews) – Forty-two Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God (SFIC) from the province of West Kalimantan took part in a workshop to become "witnesses to the spirit of anti-corruption within the Church”.

Organised by the Bhumiksara Foundation (BF), a Catholic charity that serves Church and state, the seminar (pictured) was held recently in Pontianak.

The BF is not new at conferences and seminars dedicated to leadership, good governance and the promotion of ethical values in workplace, with special focus on the fight against corruption. Starting in 2016, it has worked with Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KBK).

At the invitation of Sister Irene, SFIC provincial superior, the nuns who manage the finances of this order and those responsible for other Church bodies took part in the BF’s latest initiative. They were accompanied by some novices.

"It was the first time I attended an anti-corruption seminar. This bad practice can take place anywhere and anytime, so my commitment to fight it is also necessary," said Sr Pelagia Agnes speaking to AsiaNews.

The same goes for Sr Xaveria, who spent 16 years as a missionary in Kenya and is now head of the community of Kuala Dua (Sanggau Regency), a six-hour drive from Pontianak.

"This workshop pushed me to develop my integrity,” she said. “One of the direct benefits for me was to learn how to manage funds and money. It would be really useful if local officials and leaders took part in such programmes,” the nun said.

“This workshop was not limited to the transfer of knowledge,” said Sister Kristine Natalia, a novice. “It contributed to the birth of a personal commitment to fight the seeds of bad habits within our soul. To do good and oppose evil practices must start from each of us."

For BF executive director Royani Lim, "despite the Catholic nature of the institution, its initiatives are open to everyone". The workshop applies the "Ignatian reflection" method and ends with an "action plan" whereby each participant makes a personal commitment to develop their integrity.

"This spiritual act is very important, because even religious communities are not immune from corruptive acts," Lim said.

(photo credit: Royani Lim)