What if the walls of Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas could talk? This church stands proudly in Cengkareng Barat. It is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a vibrant center of faith. Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas history is a testament to the community’s unwavering spirit.
Initially, the area was part of Gereja Santo Kristoforus in Grogol. Back then services were led by R.P. Henricus Kemper. In 1971, Archbishop Leo Soekoto gave Cengkareng and Kapuk to Paroki Tangerang. Father Anton Mulder led the parish.
In 1972, a significant survey was conducted. Archbishop Soekoto sent people to understand the community’s needs. They walked door to door to gather information. Mass began in 1972 at the Kodam Jaya Complex. By 1973, it was held twice a month. These gatherings built community and led to the founding of a Strada school in Cengkareng.
In 1974, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) took over Stasi Cengkareng. The first OMI priest was Father Patrick Moroney. On May 1, 1975, Stasi Cengkareng became independent from Paroki Tangerang. Land was purchased to build a church. On May 26, 1978, it was dedicated to the Trinity.
On June 11, 1978, the Parish Council was inaugurated by Father David Shelton. Father John Petrus McLaughlin then took over in August 1978. They began by constructing a multipurpose building.
In 1982, permission was sought but denied for religious activities by Governor Tjokropranolo. A church permit was then requested on August 3, 1984. Building permits followed on December 21, 1985. Governor Wiyogo Atmodarminto issued a preliminary building permit on January 27, 1987. Land use permission came a year later.
The cornerstone was laid on November 19, 1988. Construction began on May 21, 1989, after receiving the initial IMB permit on May 3, 1989. The building was completed on January 31, 1990. Governor Wiyogo Atmodarminto inaugurated Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas on February 21, 1990. Archbishop Leo Soekoto blessed it. The next day, Father F.X. Sudirman, the third OMI priest from Indonesia, was ordained.
Later, the Santo Eugenius de Mazenod hall was built. Archbishop Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja inaugurated it on May 11, 1997. The church was expanded to accommodate the growing congregation. Permanent tents were installed in 2002 to handle overflow during major celebrations. Renovations took place from 2012 to 2014. Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo dedicated the renovated Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas on June 21, 2014.
In 1981, the southern part of Daan Mogot became Gereja Santo Thomas Rasul. In 1999, Paroki Cengkareng bought land in Kalideres. This became Gereja Santa Maria Imakulata. It was separated from Paroki Cengkareng in 2015. A chapel, Santo Vincentius Pallotti, was established in Taman Bandara in 2002.
Inside Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas, you will find 14 Stations of the Cross. Twelve glass paintings depict creation, Christ’s work, church development and even Jakarta’s Monas. Above the main door, a glass painting shows an old symbol of the Trinity. It depicts a divine meeting from Genesis 18:1-15.
The altar symbolizes Mount Calvary. Archbishop Soekoto dedicated it. The cross comes from Pope John Paul II’s 1989 Mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Balinese artisans crafted it. The cross resembles the Pope’s staff. Jesus looks left offering Mary to his disciples.
The parish is served by OMI priests. Currently, Father F. X. Rudi Rahkito Jati and Father Gregorius Basir Karimanto serve here. Sisters from ADM and JMJ congregations also assist. ADM sisters began in 1980.
Gereja Katolik Paroki Trinitas stands as a testament to faith. It embodies community and service. Its history reflects devotion and architectural beauty.