Meeting Fathers And Pastors, Ganjar Joins The Congregation Ahead Of The 2024 Christmas And New Year Celebration

Ganjar Pranowo/ Photo: IST

SOLO Ahead of Christmas and New Year 2024, Sunday 24 December, the 2024 Indonesian Presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo visited a number of churches in Solo. Ganjar met with the romo, pastors and a number of congregations to be happy ahead of the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations.

There were two churches in Solo that were visited by Ganja on that day. First the St. Peter Purwosari Church and the second the Catholic Church Sp. Maria Regina Purbowardayan. In the two churches, Ganjar met the romo, priests and the congregation to congratulate them.

"Thank you for visiting Pak Ganjar. This is a gift for us. May Pak Ganjar always be healthy and successful," said Father Albertus Agus Ariestyanyo, head of the parish.

During a visit to the Catholic Church Sp Maria Regina Purbowardayan, Ganjar was greeted with enthusiasm by the congregation who were ready to carry out the Christmas Mass. He was also greeted by Vikaris Episcopal Surakarta, Father Mgr. Robertus Budiharyana, Pastor of Parish Father Yosef Supriyanto and Father Albertus Lilik Kurniawan.

"Welcome Mr. Ganjar. Wow, we are very happy to be visited by you. Every time before Christmas, you must come here," said Father Budi with great love for Ganjar.

Father Budi said that during his tenure as Governor of Central Java, Ganjar always visited churches ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Ganjar still does this good thing until now, even though currently Ganjar is no longer the Governor of Central Java.

"I received greetings from friends in Semarang, Mr. Ganjar. They also miss and want to be visited by you too," added Father Budi.

Ganjar and the romo and the congregation seemed to be chatting gayly at the meeting. Before saying goodbye, Ganjar wished them a Merry Christmas and a New Year.

"Merry Christmas and New Year to the romo and all of you who celebrate. Hopefully Christmas will run safely, smoothly and everyone will be happy," said Ganjar.

Ganjar confirmed that this was the first time he visited the church before Christmas after completing his tenure as Governor of Central Java. When he was still governor, every Christmas and New Year Ganjar always visited churches with the ranks of Forkompimda.

"Yes, this is my first time visiting a church before Christmas after retiring from the Governor. There is another atmosphere, because I usually go around with Forkompimda. But I am happy, because they welcome, the jokes and jokes remain the same. I see everyone is happy," he said.

This kind of religious harmony continues, Ganjar must be maintained. All people in Indonesia are expected to maintain each other's unity, maintain Bhineka Tunggal Ika by respecting and respecting differences.

"Let us continue to maintain these values, so that all citizens of the nation can be happy, safe, can express themselves well, do not suspect each other and support each other in the limits of their respective faith," he said.

Ganjar emphasized that there was no other purpose in his visit to a number of churches in Solo. He just wanted to stay in touch and share the joy of Christmas together.

"I see the atmosphere is cheerful and fun. So I just joined Mangayubagyo with the romo, pastors and Christians who celebrate Christmas this year. Hopefully everything goes smoothly," he concluded.