The end of the Year of Faith is a "source of inspiration" for Indonesian Catholics
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - In Java, local Catholics got involved in various activities to mark the end of the Year of Faith, including prayers and discussions that brought together thousands of people.
On Saturday, Mgr Johannes Pujasumarta archbishop of Semarang led a Eucharistic celebration before a congregation of hundreds of faithful in Pakem, Yogyakarta, along with Fr Claudio Barrega SJ, deputy general director of the Apostleship of Prayer, who came to Rome for this purpose.
After attending a play on the life of Mary Magdalene because the figures of the saints are still a "source of inspiration" for the Catholic community, the prelate shared his personal experience.
For the occasion, the Archdiocese of Semarang drafted texts inspired by the notion that the more people are faithful, the more committed and missionary they are.
In order to elucidate the concept, organisers presented a prominent Catholic figure, someone who helped bring prestige and prominence to the religious minority in Indonesia.
For Fr Adrian Witjaksono, a priest in Semarang, the Catholic who distinguished himself during the Year of Faith is Ignatius Jonan, a devout believer who is known to the general public as the chairman of the state-owned Kereta Api National Railway).
Through his work, the railway executive radically turned around a company once famous for its poor service, dirty cars, late trains and financial losses.
With the power of prayer and daily recitation of the Rosary, Mr Jonan transformed the company and improved services, a huge undertaking that earned him the gratitude of many Indonesians.
In Jakarta, a large youth gathering called 'OMK Gathering 2013' (Joy of Indonesian Catholic Youth) welcomed this weekend Cardinal Rylko, president of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and Vatican delegate. More than 5,000 teenagers attended the event along with dozens of bishops and priests.
In the Diocese of Purwokerto, Mgr Julianus Sunarko led a special Mass in the Cathedral of Christ the King, granting a special pardon to the thousands of worshippers present.
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