Pinang church consecrated after 26 years of struggle
Opposition from radical Islamic groups blocked the construction of St Bernadette Parish Church. Despite intimidation, thousands of worshippers continued to gather for Mass. Cardinal Suharyo led yesterday’s service. “May it boost our Christian faith and generate many benefits for the people,” he said, speaking about the new church.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – After years of struggle, thousands of members of St Bernadette parish yesterday experienced the joy of the blessing of their new place of worship during a service led by Card Ignatius Suharyo, Archbishop of Jakarta.
Located in Pinang subdistrict (Banten province), the saga of St Bernadette's Parish Church clearly reflects the dark side of Indonesia's slow bureaucracy, which represents a serious threat to the right to worship.
A weekly Mass was celebrated, starting in 1992, in the function hall of Sang Timur Catholic School, in neighbouring Ciledug subdistrict.
It took more than 26 years to get the local administration in Tangerang to issue a building permit for a church in Pinang. The request had to deal with the opposition of local radical Muslim groups.
This struggle reached its lowest point when the main access to the school was blocked, preventing the religious Sisters who run the establishments from entering in.
Even when the parish got a site in Pinang subdistrict in 2013 to build a permanent place of worship, local radical Muslim groups organised a massive protest.
After religious services began at the site began, unknown persons padlocked its front gate while another group of Muslim hardliners filed a lawsuit against the Tangerang administration in order to get the building permit revoked. When this was achieved, the project was brought to a sudden halt.
Still, despite resistance from hardliners, at least 12,000 people had the courage to take part in weekly services under the protection of security officials, until a new permit was issued.
Last Christmas, AsiaNews was able to report the optimism that surrounded the project, even though the church had no benches for services yet. And in February, construction was completed.
Yesterday, speaking before the Mass consecrating the church, Card Suharyo expressed strong hope.
“May St Bernadette Parish Church’s existence represents God’s grace for the whole Catholic congregation,” he told the 2,000 worshippers present. “May it boost our Christian faith and generate many benefits for the people.”
The cardinal expressed his gratitude to all those who contributed to the project, all the parties and donors. "This long history of struggle reflects our endurance," he noted.
He also personally thanked the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (CICM), also known as the Scheut Missionaries, who “always provide the priests to St Bernadette’s Parish Church.”
For the project chief, Mr Sahat Manalu, “the long struggle of St Bernadette Parish Church was inspired by three fundamental spirits: trust, respect and integrity."
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