Corpus Christi: Indonesian Catholics meditate on the Body and Blood of Christ
by Mathias Hariyadi
In Central Java hundreds of people gather in a monastery of Trappist nuns to worship the Blessed Sacrament. Across the country thousands flock to churches and basilicas. The Archbishop of Semarang announces the Second Eucharistic Congress, scheduled for 2 to 24 June 2012.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Hundreds of Catholics in the diocese of Semarang, Central Java province, gathered in the Trappist monastery Lady of Union in Gedono, in the town of Salatiga, to celebrate the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. The rites and celebrations related to Corpus Christi attracted thousands of people across the country and, in Semarang alone, the local archbishop - Mgr. Johannes Pujasumarta Pr - launched a program entitled "Eternal Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament."
Indonesians nourish a particular passion for all kinds of rituals, considered a unique opportunity to demonstrate their passion and bond with Jesus and the Church. Among the various rites, love and adoration of the Eucharist is one of the highest moments of popular faith. The commemoration of the Body and Blood of Christ - which falls on June 26 - drew a crowd of faithful to the monastery of the Trappist Sisters of Central Java.
The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Mulyatno Pr, who placed the Blessed Sacrament on the main altar at the end of a procession, after which the faithful participated in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in area of the convent. Throughout the day, hundreds of believers contemplated and paid tribute to the Body of Christ, then at night the sisters led a joint prayer (pictured) with those present. "I am grateful for the experience of living the faith - Lena Sindajanty tells AsiaNews - also because the whole area of the monastery was opened to the public."
The feast of Corpus Christi was an opportunity to promote Eucharistic processions and worship in many churches in Indonesia. On the eve of the Feast thousands of faithful gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Jatiningsih, in the parish of Klepu, Yogyakarta. Two weeks earlier, however, the church of St. Francis Xavier in Daratan had organized a moment of prayer together, to the "great appreciation" of the local Catholics.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a ritual practiced with devotion and involvement by the faithful around the country. There are many places of worship dedicated in shrines, basilicas and churches in Indonesia.
Msgr. Pr Pujasumarta told AsiaNews That, during a Mass celebrated in the parish of Ganjuran recently, he launched the second Eucharistic Congress of the Archdiocese of Semarang, among Catholics to promote love for the Blessed Sacrament. It will be held between 22 and 24 June 2012 and will be centred on the theme: " Stay and rest in Christ so that we will bear the fruits."
The first Eucharistic Congress was held in Semarang 27 to 29 June 2008 on the theme "Sharing life with others" and was promoted by the then Archbishop. Ignatius Suharyo Pr, now archbishop of Jakarta.
Indonesians nourish a particular passion for all kinds of rituals, considered a unique opportunity to demonstrate their passion and bond with Jesus and the Church. Among the various rites, love and adoration of the Eucharist is one of the highest moments of popular faith. The commemoration of the Body and Blood of Christ - which falls on June 26 - drew a crowd of faithful to the monastery of the Trappist Sisters of Central Java.
The Eucharist was presided over by Fr. Mulyatno Pr, who placed the Blessed Sacrament on the main altar at the end of a procession, after which the faithful participated in the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in area of the convent. Throughout the day, hundreds of believers contemplated and paid tribute to the Body of Christ, then at night the sisters led a joint prayer (pictured) with those present. "I am grateful for the experience of living the faith - Lena Sindajanty tells AsiaNews - also because the whole area of the monastery was opened to the public."
The feast of Corpus Christi was an opportunity to promote Eucharistic processions and worship in many churches in Indonesia. On the eve of the Feast thousands of faithful gathered at the Basilica of Our Lady of Jatiningsih, in the parish of Klepu, Yogyakarta. Two weeks earlier, however, the church of St. Francis Xavier in Daratan had organized a moment of prayer together, to the "great appreciation" of the local Catholics.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a ritual practiced with devotion and involvement by the faithful around the country. There are many places of worship dedicated in shrines, basilicas and churches in Indonesia.
Msgr. Pr Pujasumarta told AsiaNews That, during a Mass celebrated in the parish of Ganjuran recently, he launched the second Eucharistic Congress of the Archdiocese of Semarang, among Catholics to promote love for the Blessed Sacrament. It will be held between 22 and 24 June 2012 and will be centred on the theme: " Stay and rest in Christ so that we will bear the fruits."
The first Eucharistic Congress was held in Semarang 27 to 29 June 2008 on the theme "Sharing life with others" and was promoted by the then Archbishop. Ignatius Suharyo Pr, now archbishop of Jakarta.
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