Istiqlal Mosque Provides Parking For Congregants Of Christmas Mass, Cathedral Public Relations: Brotherhood Is Getting Closer

Photo (Diah Ayu Wardhani/VOI)

JAKARTA - The manager of the Istiqlal Mosque allows the Jakarta Cathedral Christmas Mass congregation to use its parking lot, as in previous years.

Public Relations of the Archdiocese of the Jakarta Cathedral, Susyana Suwadie admitted that her party was grateful for the willingness of the manager of the mosque which is located right in front of her church.

"So our location next to each other is very helpful and we thank the high priest and the entire management of the Istiqlal Mosque management body for being so very supportive," said Susy when met at the Cathedral, Saturday, December 25.

Susy admitted that the newly renovated parking lot at Istiqlal made it easier for the cathedral congregation to worship. This also illustrates that inter-religious harmony is getting closer.

"After the istiqlal was renovated, we were again given permission to use the parking lot to make it easier for the people because it is quite close. That supports this year's theme where brotherhood is getting closer, which is intertwined between us," he explained. The cathedral requires the congregation who attends to register online beforehand. The cathedral also provides online broadcasts on the Jakarta Cathedral Komsos Youtube.

Meanwhile, during the Christmas celebration on December 25, 2021, Mass was held three times, namely the Pontifical Mass by the Bishop at 09.00 WIB which was broadcast online and by TVRI, as well as face-to-face.

Then, the second mass is at 11.00 WIB for online only and the last one is at 17.00 WIB with face-to-face and online.

At this year's Christmas celebration, the cathedral took the theme "The Love of Christ That Moves Brotherhood".

The face-to-face Christmas Eve and Christmas Mass services at the Cathedral are limited to 650 parishioners or 40 percent of the church's capacity.