An Indonesian Meal

In 1958 the Crosier American Province began a mission in Agats, Papua-Indonesia, which was known as Dutch New Guinea at that time. Thirty Crosier missionaries ministered to the Asmats, the tribal people of that region, for 52 years until the last missionary who served there returned to the U.S. in 2010. Over the years a number of Indonesian men joined the Crosier order and took their place serving in the Diocese of Agats.

Recently, Crosier Father Edward Greiwe and five other Crosiers of Holy Cross Priory in Onamia, Minnesota, who were also in mission there, shared an Indonesian meal and recollections of their time in that special place. Father Greiwe graciously gives FFF readers a glimpse into their evening. CJK  

“As the smells of Indonesian food with its distinctive aroma of spices began to fill the air, there were enkindled fond memories of my 31 years as a missionary in Agats, Papua-Indonesia. Six of us former missionaries gathered to recall experiences and share stores of our beloved Asmat people in a far-off land, with different languages, cultures and customs. There was group consensus that our living and serving these wonderful people enriched our lives and our faith. We felt blessed because of the experience.

What did we eat?

Photos courtesy of Father Edward Greiwe

• Curried rice cooked in coconut milk.
• Spicy beef.
• Fried Asian noodles with chicken sautéed with red and green peppers.
• Chicken satay on skewers brushed with peanut sauce.
• Fresh green salad garnished with peanut dressing.
• Spicy peppered shrimp.
• Fish crackers.

Following our meal together our conversation shifted to our immediate present and future, asking the question: How can our shared, collective and communal experience as missionaries now be of service to the local church? Here at our Crosier priory are eight former missionaries — six served in Agats, Indonesia and two served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

So we continue to ask, search and discuss with our Crosier community, how we eight with our multi-cultural living experience can be a face, a bridge and a place extending a welcome, hospitality and understanding among peoples of other cultures. We feel that eight former missionaries living together is a gift for the Crosier community and for the local church.” Father Edward Greiwe

A note from Carol: Father Greiwe found a variety of packets imported from Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries in an Asian supermarket in Minneapolis. He used their contents to prepare the wonderful meal you see pictured here. During Lent this year two Indonesian recipes were featured on FFF as part of the Operation Rice Bowl campaign. These Indonesian Spiced Rice and Sayur Asem recipes are easy and authentic. Consider giving them a try!