Cardinal says have 'a simple' Christmas

Cardinal says have 'a simple' Christmas

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's Archbishop, Cardinal Darmaatmadja,
called on Catholics in the capital to celebrate Christmas in
simple but solemn ceremonies.

Echoing an earlier message from the Indonesian Bishops
Conference the cardinal appealed to Catholics to show concern and
solidarity with the poor, the hardest hit by the monetary crisis.

"The funds which you may have originally allocated for a party
would be better used to help people who need assistance and
attention," said the archbishop in a statement Monday.

Excessive Christmas parties were regrettable because they went
against the real meaning of Christmas, he said.

He reminded Catholics that New Year's Eve coincided with the
beginning of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan.

"As the majority of the people are observing their fasting
service, it is proper for us to show our respect by supporting
them so they can perform their religious duties correctly," he
said.

Dili bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo said quoting Jesus in
Ermera, East Timor, said that people should endeavor to become
the salt and light of the earth.

"Prepare yourself during this Advent period so that you are
able to celebrate Christmas well," Belo said in a sermon at a
church in Nossa Senhora do Carmo Letafoho, Ermera.

Belo ended a five-day visit to several villages in the regency
Tuesday. (33/prb)