In 1962 a plot of land was purchased in Menteng Dalam. This land would become the site of Gereja St Fransiskus Asisi. This wasn’t an easy task. The area was predominantly Muslim. Father Bartholomeus Theo Janssen a Capuchin friar had a vision. He didn’t begin with a grand church. Instead he started with a school.
The Gereja St Fransiskus Asisi is more than just a place of worship. It’s a testament to perseverance faith and community. The laying of the school’s foundation stone was on November 1 1966. This act marked the beginning of the Tebet parish. It allowed for the registration of Catholic families in the area. The first Eucharist was celebrated on November 13 1966. About 60 people attended. These early parishioners belonged to the Santo Ignatius Loyola church.
The name St Francis of Assisi was chosen for the parish. It reflected his spirit of simplicity and love. The parish’s territory included parts of Bidaracina and Blok Q parishes. Services were initially held in the school’s hall. The construction of the church itself began on January 1 1974. Architect F Kosman designed the building. The Gereja St Fransiskus Asisi was blessed on October 4 1975.
The Gereja St Fransiskus Asisi is more than just a building. It houses a prayer garden. There’s also a room for adoration and a relic of Padre Pio. The church also boasts a community health center. The center benefits those living nearby. The church is part of the Asisi School complex. The complex offers education from preschool to vocational school. The Gereja St Fransiskus Asisi Tebet continues to serve its community. It offers daily and weekly masses. It embodies the spirit of its namesake St Francis of Assisi. It is a place of faith hope and community. It’s a truly special place.