t was 1807 when Fr Jacobus Nellissenn was appointed Apostolic prefect of Batavia, today Jakarta. The Gospel arrived here in 1500with Portuguese navigators, but two centuries were to pass before a local hierarchy could be established. The prefecture became a vicariate in 1841 and an archdiocese in 1961. 200th Centenary Celebrations started in May 2005 and will close in May 2007.
Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him. A great joy cannot be kept to oneself. It has to be passed on.
Pope Benedict XVI
at World Youth Day
Celebrations will focus on the theme “The more faithful we are to Jesus, the more useful we will be to society and the nation” and will include meetings for reflection on the main elements of the faith, the history of Christianity in Asia, Christian-Muslim relations past and present. Special guests at
celebrations will include civil authorities and leaders of other religions.
The Catholics in Jakarta, 400,000 among a population of 11 million mostly Muslims, intend to increase efforts in social services, healthcare and education. Healthcare is an important field of assistance. In fact 44 of the 56 parishes in the archdiocese run their own medical
center or dispensary open to all.
Celebrations for the 200th anniversary “present an opportunity to make the faithful more aware of the History of Salvation which the Lord has worked in Jakarta”, the local Church said, as well as a time to encourage people to take a more active part in Church life. “Commitment in social service - Catholics in Jakarta say - is how we can show God’s love for all humanity”.
(From Fides Service)