Sr Lina fcJ writes about the experience of living the Jubilee Year in Indonesia.
The theme chosen by Pope Francis, Peregrinantes in Spem (Pilgrims of Hope), is incredibly relevant right now. In a time of global uncertainty, war, and difficulty, the invitation to be a “bearer of hope” is powerful. The use of a manga-style mascot Luce is a brilliant move by the Vatican to connect with younger generations. In Yogyakarta, which has many students and young people, this makes the heavy concept of a Yubelium Year feel approachable, joyful and modern. Our parish priest explained the logo – the four figures embracing the Cross while riding the waves – it teaches the people that we are all in the “stormy seas” of life together, anchored by the Cross. Without explanation, a pilgrimage is just a walk. With explanation, it becomes a spiritual journey. The people understand that walking through the door symbolizes leaving behind the ‘old self’ and entering into a new life of grace and forgiveness.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Catholic faith in Indonesia is how the community practices faith together. Not everyone can go to Rome to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica. By designating local churches or cathedrals with a Porta Sancta, the Church makes God’s grace and the Jubilee indulgence accessible to all of us who cannot travel. Yogyakarta and central Java are famous for their beautiful Marian shrines (like Ratu Kenyo, Sendangsono, Ganjuran, Jatiningsih, Tritis). Including these in the pilgrimage route connects the universal Jubilee with the local Javanese devotion to Mary.
On 5 October, I joined a BEC group for a pilgrimage to three places with a Porta Sancta: St. Ignatius Loyola Church, the Cathedral and the Kerkhof Prayer Garden. Later, on 22 November, I joined a group of Catechists from our parish to visit five locations. We went to four Marian shrines (Tritis, Ratu kenyo, Sriningsih and Mojosongo) and one church with a Porta Sancta: the parish of Purbowardayan (St. Virgin Mary Regina).
A fascinating local practice is the creation of a pilgrim’s Card by each parish. Upon completing a pilgrimage, participants are awarded a jubilee stamp as a record of their involvement in the pilgrimage of hope.
All of us feel truly blessed to have done this ‘pilgrimage of Hope’ together. May our Father answer every prayer of hope for the world, and watch over our loved ones wherever they may be, on this earth or in heaven.
