Why does Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil stand so proudly here? Its story is one of community, faith and even presidential intervention. Let’s step back in time and uncover its fascinating past.
Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil is more than just a building. It’s a spiritual home for many in South Jakarta. This church falls under the Archdiocese of Jakarta. Locally it is known as Paroki Blok B. The church carries the name of Saint John the Evangelist. He was an apostle and author of one of the Gospels. The Jesuit order provides pastoral care here.
The story of Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil begins in 1948. Kebayoran Baru was under development then. Initially, Europeans primarily from the Netherlands settled here. By 1950, civil servants moved in, including many Catholics. These Catholics gathered to celebrate their faith. The first Eucharist was held on Christ the King Day. That was October 29, 1950. Father J. Awick SJ led the mass in a house. Regular services soon followed.
The community wanted a permanent place of worship by 1950. Petrus Johannes Willekens S.J., encouraged them. He was the Apostolic Vicar of Jakarta. A church building committee formed on March 10, 1951. A house on Jalan Ciasem I became a simple chapel. In 1951, Father Piet Middendorp S.J. started a Catholic school in Blok B. Paroki Blok B was officially established on March 2, 1952. August 17, 1952, marked the opening of the elementary school and Barito Hall. The hall then served as a place for worship.
As the congregation grew, the hall became too small. In late 1953, the Vicariate of Jakarta decided to build a new church. The location was to be on Jalan Melawai Raya. The initial design secured approval from Archbishop Adrianus Djajasepoetra S.J. However, President Soekarno rejected it. After revisions, Soekarno approved the design on January 29, 1964. Archbishop Djajasepoetra blessed Gereja Santo Yohanes Penginjil on December 19, 1965.
Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil underwent renovations in 2020. Services moved to the Yohanes Building across from the church. The restoration began in June 2021. As a designated “Provisional Cultural Heritage Object,” renovations needed Jakarta’s government approval. Archbishop Suharyo blessed the altar and reopened the renovated church on May 7, 2023.
Inside Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil, beneath the altar, lies a relic of Saint John. It is a small bone fragment. Bishop Luigi Negri authenticated it in 2016. The Communauté des Béatitudes in Medjugorje gave the relic in 2018. The church also features a balcony to accommodate more worshippers. Statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary stand near the sanctuary.
Outside, you will find a Marian Grotto. A statue of Saint John the Evangelist stands on the church grounds. He is depicted holding a book scroll. A golden eagle stands beside him. A bell tower also graces the courtyard.
Daily Mass is held in the mornings. Some days also have evening services. Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil also offers an English Mass on Saturday evenings. Once a month, a special Mass is held for people with special needs.
Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil stands as a testament to faith. It shows community spirit and architectural adaptation. It is now a cultural heritage site in Jakarta. The story of Gereja Katholik Santo Yohanes Penginjil is a blend of devotion and history.