Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda

Amidst the bustling energy of Jakarta, find solace at Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda. This Catholic parish church, under the Archdiocese of Jakarta, holds a captivating history. Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda, dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, stands as a testament to faith and resilience. Its story begins in 1948, within the repurposed walls of a former Ramerwa School, originally established by the Nederlandsch Zendeling Genootschap. The initial structure, a modest renovated classroom marked with a simple cross, served as the first church building. In 1952, the Vicar Apostolic of Jakarta, Petrus Johannes Willekens, S.J., formally recognized Tangerang as a parish. He named it Hati Maria Tak Bernoda, encompassing 17 districts within Tangerang Regency. Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda continued to grow, and by 1971, Stasi Cengkareng and Stasi Kapuk were incorporated from the Grogol Parish. The church underwent renovations in 1973 to accommodate the burgeoning congregation. The Archbishop of Jakarta, Leo Soekoto, S.J., inaugurated the expanded building on August 26, 1973. Further expansions included a grotto in 1985, followed by two chapels: the Maria Immaculata Chapel in Teluknaga and the Santo Mikael Chapel in Tanjung Kait, Mauk. By 1987, the need for a larger church became evident, leading to the formation of a Building Committee. Construction began in 1992 and concluded the following year. This new Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda opened its doors on December 18, 1993. It was officially inaugurated on Ascension Day, May 12, 1994. Subsequent additions included a bell tower in 1997, a new rectory, the Santa Maria Hall, a new grotto in 1998, and the Santo Agustinus Hall in 2002. In 2005, Wisma Agustinus (now Rumah Doa Santo Agustinus) was established in Poris Indah to serve the local community. Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda, reclaiming its original name in 2010, continues to thrive. In 2018, a statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was unveiled and blessed, marking the parish’s 70th anniversary. From humble beginnings, Gereja Katolik Hati Santa Perawan Maria Tak Bernoda stands tall, a beacon of faith in Tangerang.