Yogyakarta-based Syantikara Shelter. Photo supplied by St Carolus Borromeus Religious Congregation
By Mathias Hariyadi
Aug 5 2021
The Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo and the Jesuits welcome destitute people with no place to remain in isolation. Yesterday over 22,000 new coronavirus cases were reported with more than a thousand deaths.
JAKARTA – Indonesia’s Catholic community is providing some facilities to help destitute people who have no place to self-quarantine against COVID-19.
In the parishes of Semarang and Yogyakarta (Central Java), two centres run by the Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo have welcomed hundreds of people free of charge.
“Thanks to the support of the Archdiocese of Semarang, we have decided to convert our Syantikara Retreat House and its 154 rooms into a self-quarantine facility without any payment,” said Sister Yustiana Wiwiek Iswanti, who works in Yogyakarta, speaking to AsiaNews.
“Priority is given to the poor and to healthcare workers who would normally be on the front line to take care of COVID-19 patients in hospitals.”
In Semarang, however, the facility has only 32 rooms, so priority is given to the poorest.
The centres are supported by donations. The Sisters of Saint Charles Borromeo are present in many healthcare facilities in Indonesia, but they also run several schools and educational establishments.
“Most donations come from our former students,” said sister Franka, the congregation’s treasurer.
The Jesuits are also doing their part. in Central Java province, they too have made their facilities available free of charge.
“The premise is open to everyone regardless of their background,” said Fr Yustinus Ardianto, who runs a pastoral home in the capital. “Anyone is warmly welcome here, especially the have-nots.”
Although COVID-19 cases are decreasing, Indonesia still reported more than 22,000 new infections and 1,568 deaths yesterday. – AsiaNews
