Thousands of Catholics gathered in Indonesia’s capital in early March for a large-scale Eucharistic revival aimed at renewing faith as many urban parishioners express dissatisfaction with their experience of attending Mass.
The “Jakarta Eucharistic Revival (JER) 2026,” organized by the Archdiocese of Jakarta, drew at least 6,000 ticketed participants, with thousands more arriving without tickets and filling the venue at the Jakarta International Convention Centre.
The initiative comes as Catholics in major cities report frustration with crowded liturgies and disengagement during worship. “The Mass can sometimes feel boring. The homily is too long and the message is unclear. And if you arrive late, you may not even get a seat,” such complaints are commonly voiced.
Across the Archdiocese of Jakarta, which has 68 parish churches, large congregations often require the faithful to arrive early to secure seating, navigate heavy traffic, and contend with limited parking. Multiple Mass schedules are already in place, including Saturday evening and several Sunday services, yet congestion remains a challenge.
Photo supplied by the organizing committee
Organizers said the revival was designed as a response to these realities, offering a renewed approach to Eucharistic life that connects liturgy with contemporary experience.
The event combined visual arts, digital technology, and Eucharistic theology in its liturgical presentation, while also hosting parallel seminars on topics such as social issues, the environment, finance, youth concerns, and the challenges faced by the elderly. Sessions moved from theological reflection to practical application in daily life, including family resilience and the pursuit of happiness in faith.
Two priests active on social media, Fr. Joseph Susanto and Fr. Eko Wahyu, OSC, were among the featured speakers, drawing particular attention from younger participants.
The celebration culminated in a Mass presided over by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo of Jakarta, concelebrated with Bishop Antonius Bunjamin Subianto, OSC of Bandung, president of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference, along with other bishops and dozens of priests. Participants also received the Sacrament of Reconciliation in specially prepared confessionals.
The highlight of the gathering was the Eucharistic celebration followed by solemn adoration of the Blessed Sacrament under the theme “Chosen, Blessed, Broken, and Sent,” inviting the faithful to rediscover the Eucharist as the source of their spiritual life.
After Mass, thousands remained in silent prayer. “The collaboration between art, technology, and Christian faith in understanding the Eucharist and adoration was presented beautifully in this Jakarta Eucharistic Revival,” said Jennifer, one of the participants, speaking to LiCAS.
Organizers said the initiative is intended to extend beyond a single event.
“JER is designed as a shared moment to renew how we live the Eucharist, strengthen Christian character marked by solidarity and compassion, and reaffirm our national commitment in a spirit of fraternity,” said organizing committee chair Henny Susanto.
She said the term “revival” reflects a desire to rekindle a faith that may have begun to fade. “We need new ways to live out Eucharistic spirituality,” she said.
“This is a moment of grace, where the faithful are united to rediscover their faith in Christ’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament. We are invited to know, love, and live from the Eucharist as the source and summit of life,” she added.
Among the event’s main attractions were immersive audio-visual installations, including a three-dimensional presentation of salvation history and an experiential corridor featuring sacred art and architecture from around the world. Visitors queued for up to an hour to enter the exhibits.
According to project lead architect Susan Santoso, the production took about five months and drew inspiration from a call to use technology for evangelization and human development.
“We asked ourselves: how can we guide young people to use technology to serve God? That’s where this idea developed,” she said.
She also cited the influence of Baroque artists who used visual art as a tool for catechesis. “Why don’t we use technology in the same way?” she said.
Event organizers said the themes of the revival align with the spirit of the Jubilee Year 2025, emphasizing hope and engagement with real-life challenges, including economic hardship, discrimination, youth unemployment, and the isolation of the elderly.
“Catholics must be present and play an active role in the life of the nation. From there, faith becomes an inspiration for all,” said Fr. Yustinus Ardianto, head of the event section.
Organizers expressed hope the revival will mark the beginning of sustained spiritual renewal among the faithful in Jakarta and beyond.
