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Bible Sharing with People Living with HIV in Maumere
Servinus Haryanto Nahak, SVD
The event, which began at 10:00 a.m. (WITA), opened with a communal prayer and a brief introduction by Yohanes Beda (54), coordinator of the Flores Plus Support–Maumere Peer Support Group (KDS). Participants were invited to introduce themselves, stating their names, when they were diagnosed with HIV, and when they began taking antiretroviral (ARV) medication.
According to Beda, the introductions were deliberately structured to strengthen the morale of newly joined members. Stigma and discrimination against PLWHA remained severe in Flores, where HIV was often regarded as a family disgrace or even a curse from God. It was not uncommon for people whose HIV status became known to be shunned by those around them.
“I have been taking ARV medication since 2006—that’s 20 years now. Look at me: my health is stable. I was even able to have two more children, and thankfully they tested negative,” said Beda, encouraging his peers to remain faithful to their antiretroviral therapy (ART).
A father of three, Beda was one of the most senior KDS members and a model of consistent medication adherence. In addition to chairing the KDS, he served as a government-appointed peer companion for PLWHA in Sikka Regency. He joined the group in 2012 and chose to disclose his HIV status publicly. Each year, he attended World AIDS Day events at the Ledalero Major Seminary alongside other KDS members, sharing his experience with seminarians.
According to government data, as of 2025, approximately 500 people living with HIV in Sikka Regency were actively taking ARV medication. Peer companions like Beda played a vital role in encouraging adherence to treatment.
Bible Sharing
Since 2012, the KDS monthly meetings had included a Bible Sharing session, introduced by the group’s chaplain at the time, Fr. John M. Prior, SVD. A handout containing a Scripture passage, background information, and guiding questions was distributed. After the reading, participants broke into small groups, usually facilitated by seminarians, and later shared insights in plenary. These sessions continued even after Fr. Prior’s death in 2022.
Avila (37), a KDS member, shared that the sessions gave her strength in the early days after her diagnosis. Reflecting on the Gospel story of the ten lepers, she said she felt strengthened and found a renewed sense of identity and belonging.
In addition to KDS members, seminarians and students who participated received preparation on how to accompany vulnerable groups and facilitate Bible Sharing with PLWHA. In 2025, Fr. Maximinus Hali Abit, SVD, and Fr. Servinus H. Nahak, SVD, developed a guide to support these sessions.
The sharing sessions typically lasted one hour, followed by a plenary where group representatives presented summaries. While long-time members spoke confidently, newer participants often found the experience emotionally challenging as they continued to process their situation.
The Piglet Rotation Program
Beyond charitable support, the KDS also pursued empowerment initiatives. Since the first HIV/AIDS case was identified in Flores in 1996, the government had implemented various programs. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, funding was reduced, affecting HIV/AIDS programs.
KDS activities were supported by the JPIC Commission of the SVD Ende Province and its partners. In 2024, the group received 15 piglets from the Daughters of St. Francis de Sales (DSFS). Selected members raised the animals, which were later passed on to others in a rotation system. Despite challenges such as African Swine Fever outbreaks, the program continued.
This initiative helped members build self-reliance and share practical experiences in rebuilding their lives.
The group maintained an elected leadership team and organized regular monthly activities, including Marian pilgrimages, Bible competitions, and World AIDS Day gatherings with seminarians—strengthening both faith and community life.
