Catholic Charities Little Flower Assistance Center recently welcomed two Sisters from Daughter of Our Lady of Queen of the Holy Rosary congregation in Indonesia for a visit centered on learning, collaboration and service. During their time at Little Flower, Sr. Maria Benedictis and Sr. Maria Hilaria explored Little Flower’s comprehensive approach to serving individuals and families experiencing hardship, with the hope of bringing similar outreach efforts to communities in Indonesia.
As they toured the center, the Sisters learned about the wide range of programs offered through Little Flower, including food assistance, clothing distribution, resource and referral services, budgeting assistance, employment support, senior food programs, the Joy Drive and Christmas outreach initiatives. They expressed a strong interest in the holistic model of care that addresses both immediate needs and long-term stability for families.
A particular focus of their visit was Little Flower’s food distribution network and the way services are delivered to individuals and families facing hardship. By observing the programs firsthand, the Sisters gained valuable insights that may help strengthen outreach efforts in Indonesia. They also expressed interest in exploring the possibility, with the appropriate permissions from their religious leadership, of establishing programs in Colorado modeled after Little Flower’s compassionate approach to serving those in need.
The visit also provided an opportunity to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Little Flower Assistance Center and the Indonesian Catholic community in Colorado, whose members have become an indispensable part of the ministry’s mission.
Composed primarily of dedicated women, the Indonesian community regularly volunteers alongside Little Flower staff and volunteers to support hunger relief and community outreach efforts. They help sort, package and distribute food to families throughout the community, ensuring essential resources reach whom we serve.
Their impact can be seen throughout Little Flower’s work. In June alone, the ministry provided food assistance to more than 1,000 individuals. Before Mother’s Day, Little Flower distributed more than 15,000 pounds of food to families in need, an effort made possible in part through the dedication and teamwork of the Indonesian Community.
Beyond hunger relief, the volunteers also support Little Flower’s toy collection efforts, helping bring joy to children and families during the summer months. Their generosity extends beyond the work they accomplish, offering compassion, kindness and encouragement to neighbors navigating financial hardship, housing instability, health concerns and other daily challenges.
The Sisters’ visit coincided with activities associated with the hopeful advancement of the sainthood cause of Archbishop Gabriel Manek, SVD, whose life of faith, leadership and service continues to inspire Catholics around the world. Their participation further strengthened the relationship between Little Flower Assistance Center and the Indonesian Catholic community.
As the visit came to a close, it served as a reminder that acts of compassion can reach far beyond borders. Through the faithful service of the Indonesian Community and the shared desire of the visiting Sisters to expand this model of care, Little Flower Assistance Center continues to demonstrate how communities united in service can bring hope, dignity and lasting support to those most in need.
To learn more about Catholic Charities Little Flower Assistance Center, visit: ccdenver.org/food