Jakarta (Indonesia). From 3 to 6 September 2024, Pope Francis made a historic apostolic visit to Indonesia, an event that not only marks an important chapter in ecclesiastical diplomacy, but also offered a profound spiritual experience to the country’s Catholic community. The arrival of the Pontiff brought with it a wave of hope, offering the faithful a unique opportunity to live in the first person the example of life that the Pope embodies.
A profound spiritual impact
For the Indonesian Catholic community, which constitutes the 3 % of the population, the visit of the Holy Father was an extraordinary moment of spiritual growth. Many faithful have described the experience as an opportunity to strengthen their faith and find inspiration in the messages of the Pontiff on topics such as compassion, fraternity, and care for others.
Preparation and prayer
In view of the arrival of Pope Francis, the dioceses and parishes throughout Indonesia have launched catechesis on the themes of the visit: faith, fraternity, and compassion. The local Church provided materials for catechesis and spiritual formation to help the faithful understand the profound meaning and purpose of this visit. Several prayer groups also gathered in preparation for the event, praying incessantly for its success and security, and that the visit would bring the blessings of God.
The joy of meeting the Pope
The opportunity to meet personally with the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church aroused great enthusiasm, as confirmed by the thousands of people who welcomed the Holy Father and participated in the events.
The Daughters of Mary Auxiliary of St. Mary D. Mazzarello Province (TIN), present in Indonesia with three communities, participated in some moments of the Visit with joy, together with the young people of their works.
On 4 September, Sr. Suzana Alves dos Santos, Animator of the Queen of Peace Community Jakarta, was present at the Pope’s meeting with the Bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, seminarians, and catechists in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. After hearing several testimonies, the Pope praised the catechists, who “are ‘at the frontlines’, they are the strength of the Church” and, concluding his discourse, he encouraged them, “Continue your mission strong in faith, open to all in fraternity, and close to each one in compassion,” with the openness to welcome “everyone, everyone.”
Homily of the Pope: listen to and live the Word
On 5 September, the FMA with the faithful of St. John Bosco Parish in Jakarta, of the Communities of Mother Angela Vallese in Bondo Kodi, and St. Mary D. Mazzarello of Palla, Sumba island, had been waiting since dawn at the Gelora Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta crowded with people, for the arrival of Pope Francis for the Eucharistic Celebration.
In his homily, Pope Francis Pope Francis emphasized two attitudes essential to be true disciples of Christ: listening to the Word and living the Word. He explained that everything starts from listening, from opening up to the gift of faith and friendship with Jesus, but that it is equally fundamental to live what we hear. The risk, said the Pope, is that of being “vain listeners”, unable to let the Word go down into the heart to transform life and the way of acting. “The Lord also asks us, brothers and sisters, with the burning power of His Word, to set sail, to break away from the stagnant shores of bad habits, fears, and mediocrity, in order to dare a new life.” He then urged them not to be discouraged by failures, but to always look to Jesus and trust in Him: “Do not look at your empty nets; look at Jesus! He will make you walk; make you go well.” Concluding, he invited the Indonesians to continue dreaming and building a civilization of peace, sowing love and dialogue. “Have you been told that you are a people that smiles? Do not lose your smile, please, and go forward! Be builders of peace. Be builders of hope!”
A message of fraternity and of peace
The Pope’s visit to Indonesia has not only touched the Catholic community. Muslims and people of other faiths have also seen this trip as a moment of great importance for the Country. “Personally, I hope that the arrival of the Pope can bring peace, especially not only to us Indonesian citizens of all kinds of ethnicity, religion, and origin, but also peace in the world,” said a young Muslim. This interreligious opening has once again demonstrated the importance of dialogue and fraternity, values that Pope Francis constantly promotes.
Testimonies of faith
Among those who experienced the visit, Sister Olviana Ina Ki, FMA of the Community of Jakarta, shared, “Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Indonesia was very significant for me. I had the opportunity to see some of his activities, such as meeting children with disabilities, young people, religious, and the faithful during the Great Mass at Gelora Bung Karno. At that time, I was one of the volunteers in charge of raising awareness about the importance of Laudato Si’, inviting people to leave the place as clean as they found it. This visit seemed to me a true testimony of fraternity and great tolerance. With his simplicity, the Pope blessed Indonesia and supported us with the message of his heart of a pastor. During the Mass, I saw hundreds of thousands of people participate with great enthusiasm, in an orderly and peaceful manner. It was also interesting to note the presence of Muslims at the celebration. It was an extraordinary experience of faith.”
A grateful and inspired people
A parishioner of St. John Bosco Parish in Jakarta explained that the visit of the Pope for him was “like receiving guests from heaven,” arousing pride and emotion, not only for the Catholics, but for the entire Indonesian Nation. Pope Francis, with his simple and humble presence, has been able to inspire thousands of people, strengthening the sense of belonging to the universal Church and promoting values that transcend religious barriers. His presence has strengthened ties among the country’s Catholics, inspired new generations, and brought a message of peace and fraternity that will remain for a long time in the hearts of Indonesians.
At the end of the Eucharist, before continuing to Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea, he said, “My visit among you is coming to an end and I want to express my joyful gratitude for the exquisite welcome that was given to me. It is said in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles that on the day of Pentecost there was a great noise in Jerusalem. And everyone was making a noise to preach the Gospel. I recommend, dear brothers and sisters, make noise! Make noise!”.
