Jakarta: Pope Francis has arrived in Jakarta, highlighting a remarkable example of interfaith harmony in Indonesia. The Monastery of Gedono, nestled against the backdrop of Mount Merbabu on the island of Java, stands as a testament to the peaceful coexistence and collaborative spirit between Muslims and Christians in this predominantly Islamic nation. Photo credits: Vatican News

A Warm Welcome and Early Challenges
When Sister Martha Driscoll and nine Cistercian nuns from the U.S. established the Monastery of Gedono in 1987, they received an unexpected welcome from both the local Catholic and Muslim communities, as well as some local wildlife. The monastery, situated in a lush rainforest just over half a mile from the nearest village, required the nuns to quickly learn how to manage the presence of local snakes, some of which were venomous.

"Not one of us got bitten," Sister Martha recalls with a smile. "We have many stories, many stories, but God is good, and the Blessed Mother keeps us safe from all the snakes."

Building Bridges in a Diverse Society
Despite the challenges, the Gedono Monastery has thrived, becoming a hub for both spiritual reflection and community interaction. Each Sunday, between 200 and 300 people, including both Catholics and Muslims, attend Mass at the monastery. The Cistercian sisters, who gather for prayers and spiritual activities seven times a day, also engage in community outreach. They celebrate significant Muslim holidays, such as the end of Ramadan, and share festive meals with their Muslim neighbours.

Sister Martha, who has been deeply involved in interfaith dialogue, notes that their community does not focus on formal interreligious activities but rather on fostering genuine friendships and understanding. "We don’t do anything specifically interreligious, but we often celebrate the end of Ramadan with our workers and their families," she explains.

A Unique Perspective on Faith and Community
Sister Martha’s experiences reflect a broader narrative of interfaith harmony in Indonesia, a country where Muslims make up approximately 87% of the population and Christians only 3%. She emphasizes the strength of local Muslim practices and the mutual respect shared between the communities. "Muslims in Indonesia can show the world what it is like to live in harmony with a minority," she says.

From Indonesia to Rome
After 34 years of fostering peace and spiritual growth in Indonesia, Sister Martha returned to Italy in 2021. At Tre Fontane Abbey in Rome, she now supports the revitalization of the Trappist community and shares her experiences with a broader audience. She was recently invited by the Vatican's Dicastery for Clergy to speak to priests and bishops about the value of monastic life and its impact on priestly formation.

Sister Martha reflects on her journey, noting that monastic and family life share similarities in their focus on love and unity. "The monastery is a school of love, and a family is also a school of love," she observes. Her experiences in Indonesia have taught her much about community, faith, and the importance of living out one’s beliefs in a diverse world.

As Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia underscores the significance of Muslim-Christian relations, the story of the Monastery of Gedono stands as a testament to the possibilities of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect in a multicultural society.