Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas

Whispers of faith echo within Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas. This sanctuary in Tangerang Selatan, Indonesia, holds a story as vibrant as the city itself. Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. It’s a beacon under the Keuskupan Agung Jakarta, a prominent Catholic parish. The church’s namesake, St. Barnabas, the apostle, lends an air of history and devotion to this place of worship. The journey of Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas began far from its current grandeur. In 1987, a small group of worshippers, part of the Paroki Cilandak’s Wilayah IX, dreamed of a parish of their own. Their early gatherings took place in borrowed spaces, from the Wisma Petrus Kanisius Kompas to the classrooms of SD Strada Sanjaya. Even a temporary setback, due to the Tabloid Monitor incident, couldn’t extinguish their devotion. By 1991, the dream solidified, and the Dewan Paroki Cilandak officially recognized the need for a new parish. Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas, the 46th parish under the Keuskupan Agung Jakarta, was formally established in 1993. This moment, marked by a decree from Archbishop Leo Soekoto, S.J., was celebrated with a Mass of Thanksgiving on October 24, 1993. As the congregation grew, so did the need for a dedicated space. The church building, a three-story structure with a main hall on the second floor and a balcony on the third, was a testament to their perseverance. After navigating the complexities of building permits, construction began in 2008, marked by a cornerstone laying ceremony. A year later, in 2009, Archbishop Julius Kardinal Darmaatmadja, S.J., blessed the completed Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas. Look closely at the church’s sanctuary. You’ll find the inscription “In verbo autem tuo laxabo rete,” a quote from the Gospel of Luke. It translates to “Because of your word, I will cast out my net,” a testament to the faith that guides this community. Beyond the main church, Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas offers more spaces for contemplation. The Kapel Santa Maria de Fatima, a perpetual adoration chapel, opened its doors in 2010. A serene prayer garden, featuring a statue of Our Lady of Fatima, provides a tranquil escape. And in 2018, Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo inaugurated the Gedung Karya Pastoral André Prévot, a hub for pastoral activities, further enriching the spiritual life of Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas. The story of Gereja Santa Rasul Barnabas is one of resilience, devotion, and community. It’s a story etched in stone, whispered in prayers, and lived out daily within these sacred walls.