Robertus Broto, a Catholic from the Saint Michael Parish, Perak, Surabaya, can't wait to see and attend the Holy Mass (Holy Father's Homily) at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which will be led by Pope Francis on September 6.
So enthusiastic, as soon as news of the Pope's arrival was heard, Robertus Broto applied for leave from his job and saved money to pay for his transportation and accommodation in Jakarta. He also registered with his parish, which was given a quota of 50 people each to attend the Holy Mass.
“I am interested in why I am going to Jakarta, because it is not certain that I will be able to meet the Pope in my lifetime, when else, that's why I really want to go to Jakarta. Even if I go to the Vatican tomorrow, it is not certain that I will be able to meet the Pope. The hope is to receive blessings and grace, because it is not certain that we will be able to meet him in Indonesia in our lifetime,” he said.
This middle-aged man hopes that the Pope will re-emphasize the message of peace, especially for harmony between religious communities in Indonesia.
The Pope's visit quenches the thirst of the people
Separately, the Head of the East Java Catholic Youth Command, Christophorus Suryo, told VOA that the presence of Pope Francis will quench the thirst of Catholics in Indonesia, after the visit of Pope John Paul more than 35 years ago.
“This is a momentum for Catholics in particular, to be able to better understand the presence of Pope Francis as a spirit of peace, a spirit of love, to build this nation into a more pluralistic nation, a nation that respects differences more, and a nation that creates unity even though it is from various tribes and religions,” he explained.
Visit to Jakarta on September 3-6
Pope Francis, 83, is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Sept. 3 and the following day is scheduled to meet President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. A number of civil society figures, diplomatic corps and Indonesian officials will also attend the meeting.
The Pope will then hold a private meeting with members of the Jesus Secretariat at the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta; followed by a meeting with bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated persons, seminarians and catechists at the Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
On September 5, the Pope is scheduled to meet with young people at Graha Pemuda; followed by an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque, and a meeting with charitable organizations at the headquarters of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI).
The Holy Mass at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, on September 6 will be the highlight of the Pope's arrival in Indonesia, before flying to Port Moresby on September 6.
The Pope's Visit Becomes a Special Momentum
Secretary of the East Java Anshor Youth Movement Regional Management, Mohammad Hasan Bisri, interpreted Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia as a special momentum, especially since Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world.
“We welcome and rejoice his presence in our country, in Indonesia, with the hope that this will be an eternal, monumental moment for us Indonesian citizens who are visited by Pope Francis from the Vatican. This shows that Indonesia is an open country, which can be visited by anyone who can provide a beautiful taste and color for anyone in our country,” he said.
Catholic priest who is also the Rector of the Major Seminary of the Congregation of the Mass (CM) of Indonesia in Malang, Father Antonius Rad Budianto, CM., said that the figure of the Pope has a very strong influence on Catholics, which is believed to be able to encourage people to contribute more to the Development of Indonesia. The influence of the Pope is evident from the large number of people who want to attend the Holy Mass.
“For Catholics, the figure is important, because we believe in a figure, namely the figure of the Lord Jesus, not only especially the teachings but also the person. Well, in this case I think, the figure of the Pope is very strong in its influence on the people. So the presence of the Pope in Indonesia certainly gives great encouragement to the people in Indonesia,” he said.
Spreading peace and promoting prosperity is one of the main goals of the Pope's visit to Indonesia, he added.
“This Pope does not only talk, he makes a fraternal visit. So, if he is in Indonesia, that is also one of his agendas to meet with Muslims, I am sure they will also welcome him with great enthusiasm. And perhaps, yes, this will also bring Indonesian Catholics closer to Muslims,” said Father Sad closing the conversation with VOA. (pr/em)
