Here stands Gereja Karmel a testament to faith spanning over eight centuries. The Karmel journey began in the 12th century in Jerusalem. It echoes through time to this very spot in Jakarta.
The story of the Karmel order starts on Mount Karmel. This is a sacred place in the Holy Land near Haifa. The source of Elijah is nearby. In the 12th century hermits journeyed from the West to Mount Karmel. They sought solace and prayer amidst its green cliffs. They enjoyed valleys and the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. These hermits embraced a spirituality of pilgrimage. They saw sacred sites as a path to God’s Kingdom. They vowed to serve Jesus Christ. Vivere in Obsequio Iesu Christi was their motto. Their devotion to the Virgin Mary was immense. They dedicated a chapel to her on Mount Karmel. They believed their chapel stood where Elijah’s cave once was. This location is 1700 feet above sea level. It is on the northwest side of the mountain. It marks the highest point of the mountain range.
This growing community sought guidance from Albertus. He was the Patriarch of Jerusalem. They asked him for a rule of life. Albertus provided this guidance between 1206 and 1214. With this rule Saint Albertus united the hermits. He transitioned them from laypeople to religious life.
Political turmoil disrupted the peace of Mount Karmel. Continuous unrest in the Holy Land led the Carmelites to Europe. Around 1238 the first group of Carmelites moved to Europe. Initially they tried to maintain their hermitic lifestyle. But the urban societies of Europe made solitary life difficult. The Carmelites adapted. They emphasized poverty simplicity fraternity and solidarity with the poor. This vision mirrored the mendicant orders like the Franciscans and Dominicans. Through this renewal the Carmelites became a mendicant order. They drew inspiration from Jesus Christ’s compassion for the common people. They actively engaged with society.
The Catholic Church expanded rapidly in the Middle Ages. Seeing the Church’s needs the Carmelites were ordained. Many believers lacked spiritual leaders. Some Carmelites became priests some remained monks. During this time the Carmelites began missions globally. Some journeyed to Indonesia. They established the Karmel presence here.
From 1896 to 1923 Jesuit priests served the regions of Malang Bondowoso and Madura. These areas were part of the Vicariate of Batavia now Jakarta. On February 19 1923 Rome offered the Dutch Karmel Province these areas as mission territories. The Karmel accepted. They prepared to take over mission services from the Jesuit order. The handover occurred in Malang.
The work of the Carmelites bore fruit with local Indonesian candidates. In 1929 Gerardus Majella Singgih Padmowijoyo went to the Netherlands. He entered the novitiate in Boxmeer. He became the first Indonesian Karmel priest. He was ordained on July 11 1937.
Recognizing Indonesia’s progress Rome elevated the Karmel status in 1960. It became a General Commissariat. After seven years of preparation the Karmel in Indonesia became a Province in 1967. The Ordo Karmel Province of Indonesia expanded into new areas. It reached various dioceses. This Gereja Karmel stands as a symbol of that journey. It reflects a commitment to faith service and community.