Today felt different in a quiet, meaningful way. Together with two friends, I set out to visit seven churches here in Jakarta for Visita Iglesia. It’s a Maundy Thursday tradition we’ve carried with us as Filipinos, even while living far from home.
Our journey began at St. Stefanus in Cilandak, the church closest to me, and from there we made our way across the city. The second church we went to was at Gereja Santo Yohannes Penginjil, and we proceeded to Gereja Santo Fransiskus Asisi, Gereja Santa Theresia Menteng, and Gereja Santo Petrus Canisius. We tried to enter the Apostolic Nunciature at the Vatican Embassy, but we were not allowed to enter. Of course, Gereja Katedral Jakarta was an important part of our Visita Iglesia. We ended with our seventh church at Santa Perawan Maria Ratu where we were able to witness the Translation of the Blessed Sacrament.
Seven churches. One intention.
It’s not something commonly practiced here. Indonesia, after all, is a predominantly Muslim country. In fact, it has the largest Muslim population. And yet, it is very welcoming of different faiths. You can check my blog post to see other Catholic churches within and around Jakarta. In the middle of this beautifully diverse place, we found our own way to keep a deeply personal Catholic tradition alive.
Church after church, the day unfolded gently. In each one, we paused, said our prayers, and allowed ourselves to be still.
There’s something about Visita Iglesia that slows you down—not just physically, but inwardly.
You begin to reflect more. You begin to listen more.
Doing Visita Iglesia here in Jakarta may not be the norm, but faith is more than following the norm. So, we made the effort, and that’s what made it even more special.
And as I found myself sitting quietly in the last church, I realized something. I’ve come to appreciate these kinds of days more. Not the busy ones. Not the loud ones. But the quiet, intentional ones that gently remind me of what truly matters. Faith. Presence. Gratitude.
Our Visita Iglesia today did not just give me a tradition fulfilled but a heart that feels a little more grounded, a little more still, and a little more full.
Have a blessed Holy Week.
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[…] routine and not because I had to. Something in me wanted to be there in all 3 church services. From Maundy Thursday to the quiet weight of Good Friday and to the stillness of waiting during the Saturday […]