The inscription Veni et vide greets you. It means Come and see. This is Gereja Katholik Santo Philipus Rasul in Kapuk North Jakarta. This welcoming phrase echoes the words of Philip to Nathanael in the Gospel. It perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this church.
Gereja Katholik Santo Philipus Rasul didn’t always stand here. Its story begins much earlier. It started as a small community in Teluk Gong. In 1978 a simple childcare center held Eucharistic celebrations. These were led by Xaverian priests. This humble beginning eventually blossomed into Stella Maris School around 1984.
By 1989 a dedicated station was formed in Teluk Gong. Archbishop Leo Soekoto SJ appointed Father Aloysius Yus Noron as its pastor. Saint Philip the Apostle was chosen as the patron. The Kapuk station was then part of the Cengkareng parish. On February 2 1993 the station was elevated to a parish. This was done by Archbishop Soekoto’s decree. Father Djohan Lianto CDD became the first parish priest. He was inaugurated on February 6 1993.
The Passionist Congregation joined the parish in 1997. Father Gabriele Luigi Antonelli CP led the way. Initially Mass was held in the Stella Maris School hall. A new presbytery was inaugurated in 2005. This was on Jalan Teluk Gong Raya. The previous one was on Jalan Lele. Then came a momentous day December 14 2008. Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja SJ and Jakarta North Mayor Effendi Anas blessed the church building.
Notice the altar’s beauty. It’s crafted from white marble with black veining. The black represents humanity’s frailty. The church’s upper section above the sanctuary is glass. Sunlight streams in. The bell is made of resin. Unfortunately it can’t be rung. Gereja Katholik Santo Philipus Rasul is more than just a building. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. It’s a place where the past finds its voice in the present a haven for prayer and a beacon of hope for all who enter.