Indonesian Nuns Lead Flag Ceremony at Vatican Embassy
- 20 Agt 2026 23:18 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- Ten Indonesian nuns served as the Flag-Raising Troop (Paskibra) at the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See.
- The embassy held a joint prayer for earthquake victims in East Nusa Tenggara.
- The embassy partnered with religious associations to organize a humanitarian fundraising drive.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – A moving and unique moment marked the Indonesian Independence Day flag‑raising ceremony at the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See (Vatican) on Monday, August 17, 2026. Ten Indonesian nuns serving in Italy were entrusted as members of the Flag Hoisting Troop (Paskibra).
The appointment of religious sisters as flag bearers reflects the special accreditation of the Vatican mission, which serves clergy and religious communities in both the Vatican and Italy. This year’s team was composed entirely of members of the Congregation of the Catechist Sisters of the Sacred Heart, all hailing from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
They trained intensively for two weeks under the guidance of Indonesia’s Defense Attaché in Rome, Navy Colonel Profidol Andre Mantiri Dotulung. Commander Sister Maria Josephine expressed pride in the trust placed in them.
“I never imagined a nun could serve as part of the Flag Hoisting Troop. Since arriving in Italy in 2020, I only later learned our congregation was entrusted with this role. It is an extraordinary experience,” she said.
The ceremony also included prayers and a moment of silence for victims of the recent earthquake in NTT. Indonesia’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, led the solidarity prayer, noting that nearly 80 percent of Indonesians registered at the mission come from NTT.
To support recovery efforts, the embassy organized a fundraising drive in cooperation with the Association of Indonesian Clergy and Religious in Rome (IRRIKA), with proceeds channeled through Caritas Indonesia.
The event not only honored Indonesia’s independence but also highlighted the deep bonds of faith, solidarity, and national pride among Indonesians serving abroad. (Diva Rifdah)
News Recomendation
Loading latest news.....