A group of young students from Kanisius Kenalan Elementary School in Central Java retraced the legacy of Barnabas Sarikrama—the region’s first catechist—through an annual faith pilgrimage held on May 20.
Known as “Napak Tilas Barnabas Sarikrama” or “Tracing the Footsteps of Barnabas Sarikrama,” the spiritual journey gathered 13 students from Grades 3 and 4 of the school, located in Magelang Regency.
The pilgrimage commemorated the anniversary of Sarikrama’s baptism by Dutch Jesuit missionary Fr. Frans van Lith, SJ, on May 20, 1904, in Muntilan.
That year marked a pivotal moment in the history of Catholicism in Central Java, with the baptism leading to the establishment of a Jesuit college whose alumni would later become prominent figures—politicians, bishops, soldiers, catechists, and priests.
Born Sariman, Barnabas Sarikrama became the first local catechist in Kalibawang. His baptism laid the groundwork for a broader evangelization effort in the Menoreh Hills, which deepened with the mass baptism of 171 people at the Sendangsono Marian Shrine on December 14, 1904—also led by Fr. Van Lith.
After taking the name Barnabas, he set out to share the Gospel across villages such as Kajoran, Semagung, Tuksongo, Gempal, Wonolelo, and Kerug, armed only with a Bible and catechism book given by Fr. Van Lith. Despite resistance from hardline groups, he persevered.
The students, inspired by this legacy, embarked on a 4-kilometer pilgrimage from Kerug Chapel to Barnabas Sarikrama’s grave in the Sendangsono grotto complex.
Dressed in traditional Javanese attire and carrying cloth satchels with food and water, the children began their journey at 7:00 AM.
Along the route, they presented dramatizations of Sarikrama’s life at five symbolic stops: Kerug Chapel, Watu Jengger, Tanjung Hamlet, Wonotawang Hamlet, and Kajoran Hamlet.
Each performance was followed by reflections and spontaneous prayers focusing on five virtues: patience, perseverance, courage, fidelity, and dedication.
Despite the steep terrain and rainfall, students remained joyful. “I want to be like Grandpa Barnabas Sarikrama—spirited and never giving up,” wrote Carel, a third-grade student.
Another participant, fourth grader Gemma, said: “Barnabas brought joy to others. People admired his spirit.”
At Sendangsono, the children honored Sarikrama’s grave by cleaning the site, offering prayers, and scattering flower petals.
The pilgrimage is part of the school’s spiritual formation program, promoting what teachers describe as “deep learning”—where students engage mindfully, meaningfully, and joyfully.
Teachers say the physical journey through hills and muddy trails mirrors the challenges of life and deepens spiritual resilience.
The Archdiocese of Semarang officially recognizes Barnabas Sarikrama as a key figure in the history of the Church in Central Java.
A Thanksgiving Mass will be held on June 29, 2025, at Jatidiri Sports Stadium in Semarang to mark the 85th anniversary of the archdiocese and the 1904 mass baptism at Sendangsono. – Maria Danis Oktaviana Rosari contributed to this report.
