Christmas In The Middle Of A Pandemic, The Jakarta Cathedral Church Limits The Congregation And Does Not Install Tents

An illustration of the 2020 Christmas decorations at the Jakarta Cathedral Church that brings out the nuances of the archipelago (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The Jakarta Cathedral Church at the Christmas 2020 celebration made simple decorations by elevating the nuances of the archipelago as a form of reinforcing diversity.

"As Catholics, we take part in strengthening and strengthening the spirit of nationality because of that there are several forms of Christmas decorations with Indonesian accents and nuances," said the Head of Jakarta Cathedral Parish Father Hani Rudi Hartoko in a virtual press conference regarding the 2020 Christmas preparations at the Jakarta Cathedral Church, reported by Antara. , Wednesday, December 24th.

He explained that this year's Christmas theme was, "And They Called Him Immanuel," the decorations used were full of various values, such as the holy family wearing regional clothes and wooden Christmas dolls ordered from Jepara.

Because this year the implementation of Christmas was carried out specifically due to the pandemic, the Jakarta Cathedral Church also limits people who attend face-to-face services to only 309 people or 20 percent of the church capacity.

Since there were no tents in the church yard, a 10 meter high Christmas tree decorated with archipelago motifs was created which will later be enlivened by lighting and church songs that have been arranged with ethnic nuances.

"We will make a virtual church tour so that those who are not present can also watch. In addition, Christmas songs that have been arranged with ethnic nuances have also been recorded and will be played after mass so that there are no crowds," he added.

Secretary General of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, Romo Vincentius Adi Prasojo, said that the Christmas decorations that highlight diversity are interpreted as that during a pandemic the values of helping each other emerge stronger in the form of social solidarity.

"Catholics and other devotees are increasingly encouraged by their faith to go through this pandemic with solidarity and hand in hand," said Father Adi.