Java described by many as a rich history hub of devotion and spiritual diversity. Christians in rural Java can not deck their halls with boughs of holly or hang up their stockings for Santa. But like other religions in Java, Christianity and its celebrations were finely refurbished in a local form like no other.
Situated 30 minutes from the massive Buddhist monument Borobudur road within the borders of the Royal Sultanate Yogyakarta, is a Javanese Catholic prayer garden Kulon Progo proudly call home; Gua Maria Sendang Sono.
Nicknamed "Lourdes in Yogyakarta," Sendang Sono offers stations of the cross (prayer altars representing the Passion of Christ), a cave for lighting candles in prayer to the Virgin Mary, several al fresco chapels and sacred spring whose water is believed to have healing properties.
Sendang Sono was founded in 104 when a local farmer Javanese, Barnabas Sarikromo, converted to Catholicism and got baptized Pentecost. Before that, Sarikromo victim of a mysterious illness that affected his legs with malodorous wounds. in meditation Sarikromo was inspired to travel to Muntilan where he met Dutch priest Frans van Lith. the priest Sarikromo nursed back to health and presented to the Catholic faith.
Since Sarikromo was cured, he said with passion the other villagers of "Jesus Christ's healing power" and meets for prayer and Eucharistic celebrations. In December 104, 173 people were baptized in the spring ( " Sendang ") by the sound of trees ( Pterocarpusindicus ). This event marked the beginning of the spread of Catholicism in Yogyakarta and Central Java.
Later in 1929, Austrian priest Fr JB Prennthaler blessed the opening of the sacred grotto dedicated to Mary. The 180 cm high statue of Mary teak in Sendang Sono cave was imported from Denmark, manually performed by 30 men on foot through the hills Menoreh.
The present appearance of Sendang Sono was designed by the father Yusuf Bilyarta Mangunwijaya ( "Romo Mangun"). The architecture follows the natural contours of the local hills and display a nice mix between Javanese and classic European styles.
But long before Catholicism spread in Kulon Progo, Sendang Sono has long been a sacred place in other contexts. In previous centuries, Sendang Sono used to be the resting place of Buddhist monks who traveled on foot from Borobudur to Mendut. Before the introduction of Mary, the inhabitants adhere to the faith native Kejawen previously believed that sound trees were haunted by the spirit of torque and Den Bagus Dewi Lantamsari Samijo.
"We appreciate the culture as the self-expression of the local population. Before Catholicism was introduced, people here already had their own symbols of salvation. So when we encourage locals to see traditional symbolisms we discuss Catholic ideas, we become more deeply rooted, "said the father of Wahadi Promasan parish, which is part Sendang Sono.
become deeply rooted in the local culture, also means that agricultural business have long been an important part of the parish Promasan. "Since the parish was created, the Promasan Fathers took great interest in community development," said the father Wahadi.
parish initiatives since the 1950s have included the introduction of nail clove in local plantations, livestock loan to local farmers on a different basis, and the establishment of a credit union offering subsidized loans to local businesses. the parish also operates two local primary schools which are in . listening in the local farming culture centered
asked why the Church takes such big steps in the development of agriculture and local education, Fr Wahadi said: "the people here deserve to be empowered . infrastructure is pretty basic, the puddled streets when it rains, and transportation is scarce agricultural models here are also subject to weather -.. the land is dry due to lack of irrigation socioeconomically speaking, it is difficult to live compared to urban Yogyakarta area. "
As generations pass, young Kulon Progo show signs of progress through the work of the Catholic Church. Many have traveled to the city of Yogyakarta and beyond to pursue higher education, and become successful professionals and businessmen. However, many leave for good to lead a modern life elsewhere instead of returning to develop the village where they come
But when they do come home for a visit -., for example, at Christmas time - it seems to be a sense of pride in what the rural youth Kulon Progo can reach holiday season becomes an opportunity for young people -. and other locals who may not be as young -. from reconnect to their roots
Christmas and other Christian holidays to Sendang Sono were celebrated with hymns accompanied by gamelan gospel wayang performance jathilan , and even the Catholic versions of salawat (prayer greetings to mark the seven daily Liturgy Hours, influenced by Islamic greetings to Muhammad during prayer five times a day).
production Nativity wayang was last held in 2012, conducted by Fr Krijo puppet head that is both a priest and an ordained abdidalem Royal in the Keraton Yogyakarta. Unfortunately, there are not yet had such plans for this year, and Wahadi father predicted that such productions Javanese performing arts scene will become more scarce in the future.
"Looks like we'll just celebrate Christmas with regular church liturgy this year," said the father Wahadi. In addition, the local parish plans to do charity work such as building houses, helping medical care, or distribution of basic foodstuffs for the congregation members in need.
That said, Wahadi father mentioned a Catholic salawat performed in Sendang Sono just the night before I met him. While the schedule of these performances are rarely published and difficult to predict, there is still a chance to see if you happen to visit a lucky day.
A hostel run by the local parish is available for visitors Sendang Sono in exchange for voluntary donations. During your stay at this inn, you can enjoy the clear starry night sky Kulon Progo, waking up to the serene hills Menoreh, and celebrate the Eucharist in the morning at 6.30 am.
Many Catholics are Sendang Sono a great place to get closer to God and strengthen their faith. And for non-Catholics like myself, I found it to be a beautiful place to find inner peace and reflect on the things I am grateful for life. To me this sounds like a great place to be this Christmas.
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