Here stands Gereja Paroki Katolik Keluarga Kudus. It is a beacon of faith in the vibrant Rawamangun neighborhood of Jakarta Timur. This church is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to a community’s devotion and perseverance.
The story of Gereja Paroki Katolik Keluarga Kudus begins with humble origins. Imagine a small group of Catholics gathering in a simple house on Jalan Kakap Raya in Jakarta. They met to celebrate the Eucharist. This was the seed from which this vibrant parish would grow.
As the community expanded they moved to Jalan Duyung I. Pastor Frans van Genuchten from Gereja Hati Kudus led the masses. The growing number of worshipers even led them to the Aula Lembaga Pemasyarakatan Cipinang. Despite the simple settings the spirit of the community remained strong.
Around 1970, a significant milestone was reached. The Paroki Rawamangun was officially established on July 27 by the Keuskupan Agung Jakarta. Yet they still lacked a permanent church building. The community continued to move from place to place. They held services at Jalan Kedondong, Ruang TK, Aula SD/SMP Budhaya, and even classrooms.
The determination to build a permanent church led to the formation of the Panitia Pembangunan Gereja in June 1970. The PPG faced many challenges. A major hurdle was a land dispute that lasted for over a decade. Despite the setbacks the community persevered.
Finally in 1983 a resolution to the land dispute emerged. In 1984 the IMB was issued which paved the way for construction. On August 11 1985 the first stone was laid by Pastor Martosudjito. The architect Ir Han Awal designed the church. Gereja Keluarga Kudus Rawamangun was officially inaugurated on October 19 1986 by Uskup Agung Jakarta Leo Soekoto.
Today Gereja Paroki Katolik Keluarga Kudus stands as a testament to faith and community spirit. It is more than just a place of worship. It is a place where people gather. It’s a place for comfortable worship. The church also has the Gua Maria Bunda Pemersatu which was blessed in 1999. Additionally it has Taman Doa Pieta.
In February 2023 Uskup Agung Jakarta Ignatius Kardinal Suharyo opened the Gedung Karya Pastoral. The Kapel Adorasi Martinus was blessed by Pastor Yulius Edyanto in July 2024. Gereja Paroki Katolik Keluarga Kudus continues to be a spiritual home. It is a landmark in Rawamangun. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. Its story is etched in every stone. It resonates in every prayer offered within its walls.