Xmas celebrated in solemnity

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of Jakartan Christians on Friday held a modest Christmas mass in the ruins of Kristus Church in Ketapang, West Jakarta. The church was burned down during a riot late last month.

The merry faces of the church-goers, especially the children, belied the solemnity felt in the roofless church, temporarily covered with a blue plastic sheet. A cross made of burned wood was placed on the top of a Christmas "tree" made of concrete from the ruins.

The church, now under renovation, was among 13 churches which were vandalized and burned by mobs here during the Nov. 22 riots.

On the eve of Thursday night's service, there were reportedly 516 candles lit and put under the tree to mark the number of churches burned and damaged here -- according to the Indonesian Church Community -- over the past 32 years.

Several church-goers interviewed at the morning service admitted that they were relieved to see their church was "back alive" for the Friday gathering.

"I never thought that we would have a service in this church again, after what was done to it by the mobs last month. I'm so happy," businessman Sugihanto Wibowo of Pasar Baru said.

In his sermon, Rev. Yohanes Winandi called for the congregation to understand the meaning of Christmas, saying that love and peace within their souls would heal the agony of the tragedies which have torn the country and the hearts of the people this year.

Meanwhile, at least 5,000 people attended the service held at Santa Maria Catholic church, the biggest in Tangerang, on Thursday evening.

In some cities on Thursday evening, the sound of Christmas choirs and bells coming from the churches blended with the recitations of the Muslims who were performing their tarawih (Ramadhan evening prayers) in the mosques.

Christians across the country observed Christmas with modest celebrations, listening to calls for solidarity, unity, peace and patience in the face of adversities.

Cardinal Julius Darmaatmaja, in his Christmas message, called on Indonesian Christians to remain prudent because the economic crisis was not over, but that it should not cloud their Christmas celebrations.

He said that Christmas celebrations should be marked with solidarity between the haves and the have-nots. "Let us celebrate Christmas with brotherhood and solidarity in the community. Let us care for one another, especially those who have not," he said as quoted by Antara. "Only with solidarity and togetherness can Christmas peace be felt by all."

In East Timor, Bishop Mgr. Basilio do Nascimento led the Christmas mass in the Baucau diocese's multipurpose hall, some 130 km east of East Timor's capital of Dili, instead of at St. Antonio's Cathedral.

Antara said that the service was carried out in an atmosphere of sadness following Tuesday's brawl between local youths that injured four deacons. The incident broke out when a pro- referendum group was looking for a local youth.

During the service, which lasted from 9 p.m. on Thursday until early Friday, Bishop Basilio deplored the brutal brawl inside St. Anthony's Cathedral. In his sermon, he called on the community to live in peace and to forgive one another.

He also called against resorting to violence, which never solves problems.

In Manokwari, Irian Jaya, Christmas celebrations proceeded safely and orderly. At the Elim Kwawi Church, Rev. L. Alelo reminded the congregation that Christmas was not only for merrymaking, but a time to express gratitude for God's blessings.

At another church, Rev. M. Simbiak said that the church never discriminated against ethnic groups because Jesus was sent to the world to unite humans. He also called on local Christians to respect one another.

In Lampung province, Christians held their Christmas in orderly celebrations, according to Antara. There are 189,300 Christians in the province and 1,180 churches.

In Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, Christmas services were held in solemnity. On Christmas Eve, Santo Clemens church, which is the biggest Catholic church in the province, was packed with church-goers.

In Ambon, the capital of Maluku, Rev. A.Z. Pattinaya of the Protestant Church of Ambon called on the congregation to pray for an end to the crippling economic crisis that has hit the country during the last year.

He called for austerity among Christians so that they could survive, while continuing to be thankful for God's blessings. He also called on Christians to be respectful and tolerant, especially toward Muslims who are now observing the fasting month of Ramadhan. (emf/jun/41/24/swe)