Xmas celebrated in solemnity

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)