Ever wonder about the story etched into the very foundation of Gereja Katolik Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney? This church stands as a testament to faith community and perseverance. Let me tell you its story.
Gereja Katolik Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney is also known as Gereja Anak Domba. It is a Catholic parish church in Cilangkap. Cipayung is in East Jakarta. This church falls under the Archdiocese of Jakarta. Administratively it is known as Paroki Cilangkap. The church is dedicated to Saint John Vianney.
Initially the congregation was part of two other parishes. These were Gereja Santo Robertus Bellarminus in Cililitan and Gereja Santo Aloysius Gonzaga in Cijantung. In July 1996 the congregation moved to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah. They moved from Gereja Santa Catharina. Later they gathered at TK Mekar Wangi. This kindergarten belonged to a member of the congregation.
A Carmelite priest, Pastor Frederikus Vianney Sudarma Wirjautama, helped the congregation. He celebrated Mass at TK Mekar Wangi. Some locals objected to using the school for worship. Services then rotated among different locations. These included Jalan Bambu Apus Raya and SD Nusa Melati Cipayung.
In January 1998, the Archdiocese of Jakarta planned a new parish. This parish would serve Ciracas and Cilangkap. On March 3, 1998, a meeting chose Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney as the parish patron. On April 3, 1998, they secured the use of Sekolah Budi Murni. This school belonged to the Budi Murni Education Foundation.
The Archdiocese of Jakarta officially established Paroki Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney on August 4 1998. Regular Masses began at Sekolah Budi Murni on August 6, 1998.
On August 2, 1999, Archbishop Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja officially inaugurated Paroki Cilangkap. In 2001, the owner of Sekolah Budi Murni donated land for a permanent church site. This land was in the school complex on Jalan Budi Murni. During construction services moved to Kebon Singkong.
In March 2006, the Indonesian Armed Forces General Headquarters supported the church’s construction. The church purchased land on Jalan Bambu Wulung in April 2007. In August 2008, the parish received relics of Saint John Vianney from Rome. The parish also received a 400-year-old teak altar.
A land dispute arose in November 2008. This was resolved through a peace agreement in April 2010.
Construction began on December 12, 2012. Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo consecrated Gereja Katolik Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney on July 30, 2017.
The church is built on one hectare. The building covers 1760 square meters. A large cross made of scrap iron stands behind the altar. The cross depicts Jesus looking upwards. An image of a lamb adorns the dome. This was chosen to be more accepted by the local community.
The tabernacle resembles a chalice and host. It features images of angels. The church also includes an amphitheater for gatherings and a boat-shaped chapel. This is called Kapel Santo Petrus.
Today Gereja Katolik Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney holds daily and weekly Masses. These services are conducted in Indonesian.
The story of Gereja Katolik Santo Yohanes Maria Vianney is a reminder. It reminds us that faith and community can overcome many obstacles.