Catholics in predominantly Catholic Indonesia recently held a festival of religious songs that attracted thousands of people in Kupang from October 28 to 31.
“It is the moment in which, as disciples of Christ, we celebrate our Catholic communion on a national level, coming from different places in this huge nation,” said Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta in a homily during the holding of the “Pesparani.”
The “Pesparani” is a Christian choral festival that has become a nationwide celebratory event in Indonesia that is being supported by the government to build trust and unity in the country.
“As a multiethnic and multicultural country, we must be grateful to be united by the doctrine of Pancasila and our national language,” said Cardinal Suharyo.
“Pancasila” is the official philosophical foundation of the Indonesian state, comprising of five principles: belief in the divinity of God; just and civilized humanity; the unity of Indonesia; democracy guided by the inner wisdom in the unanimity arising out of deliberations among representatives; and social justice for all of people.
Cardinal Suharyo opened the festival with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist that was attended by about 5,000 people.
“Through Pesparani, we … are gathered in one place and at a specific time to celebrate our faith, and, together with other Indonesians, to understand this event as a good opportunity to promote inter-religious human brotherhood,” said the cardinal.
Dr. H. Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi, Indonesia’s deputy minister of Religion, said the festival has a “very deep meaning” because it enhances “the religious insight of Catholics through liturgical offerings and praises to God.”
“Every Catholic is honed to deepen his spirituality and strengthen the level of his faith,” said the official.
The event was attended by contingents from 34 provinces and attracted 2,102 participants in 13 competitions.
Organizers of the event said the festival became a success “because of the involvement of all interfaith people,” both in committees and in events.”
