Over 200 Catholic faithful gathered at the Our Lady of Akita Prayer Garden in North Jakarta on Friday, March 7, for the Way of the Cross, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and the First Friday Eucharistic celebration in the chapel.
The observance took place despite the hot weather and occasional rain. Father Lucky Nikasius, Parish Priest of PIK, took part in the event as a member of the prayer team.
Parishioners from different professional backgrounds participated in organizing and facilitating the event. Volunteers, including business and medical professionals, wore white uniforms while assisting attendees.
“So many figures from our Regina Caeli Parish Church are involved in this event. Choir team is from St. Clara Community. This is the first-time outdoor held Way of the Cross in Akita, despite other liturgical procession: Eucharist and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament,” said Dr. Valentinus Yudy, a forensic specialist and an active member of the KBKK charity organization, in an interview with LiCAS News.
The Way of the Cross lasted about 45 minutes in the open-air setting of the Prayer Garden before the congregation moved into the chapel for the Eucharistic Celebration and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
During his homily, Father Lucky Nikasius spoke about fasting as part of Church tradition. “As we enter Lent 2025, let us embrace the practice of meaningful fasting,” he said. “For mothers, perhaps that means refraining from gossip. For fathers, let us commit to living humbly as true children of God.”
Attendees included visitors from outside Jakarta. “We feel immense joy in being able to attend the Way of the Cross, Adoration, and Eucharist at the Akita Prayer Garden,” said Mrs. Salina from East Java.
Representatives from the Sinar Hati Bangsa (Nation’s Light of the Heart) Foundation announced plans for a Catholic educational institution near the ‘Our Lady of Akita’ Prayer Garden.
Named Chevalier School, the institution will follow an environmentally friendly “Green School” concept. It will be the first national Catholic school in the PIK-2 area and will be run by educators, including MSC priests and HSHJ sisters.
