A special Lenten Journey of Indonesia Catholics

By Our Own Correspondent

Jakarta, Indonesia, 14 February 2018 -- During the 40 days Lenten season the Catholic believers are invited to prepare for the celebration of the the Passover of Jesus Christ, main feast of the Christianity at Easter, this year on April 1, 2018. Each believer is invited to embark on the conversion journey of prayer, fast and almsgiving.

Pope Francis invite us in his Lenten message 2018 to enkindle our cold hearts in order to warm up our concrete committment for our neighbour: "Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold" (Mt 24: 12)

The Archdiocese of Jakarta declared the 2018 a 'Year of Unity', with a special logo and a slogan that illustrates it: "Let us put into practice the Pancasilla: In diversity, we are Indonesia", with explicit reference to the contribution offered by Catholics to the nation.

Pancasila (Indonesian: five principles) is the official foundational philosophical theory of the Indonesian state since 1945. These principles are inter-related and inseparable.

1. Belief in the One and Only God ("Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa"),
2. A just and civilized humanity ("Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab"),
3. A unified Indonesia ("Persatuan Indonesia"),
4. Democracy, led by the wisdom of the representatives of the People ("Kerakyatan Yang Dipimpin oleh Hikmat Kebijaksanaan, Dalam Permusyawaratan Perwakilan")
5. Social justice for all Indonesians ("Keadilan Sosial bagi seluruh Rakyat Indonesia").

On last Sunday before Lent (February 11) was projected in all Jakarta parishes the video message of Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo, that introduces the motivation and action of this Lenten Journey.

Also the Lenten Animation Booklet published by the Archdiocese of Jakarta (2018) does offer to the faithful one short Biblical reflection followed by short meditation on the 'Pancasila' related theme, short prayer and two question for daily action - practice.

Simple and meaningful model of Indonesia Catholic community is rooted in long tradition to suggest to all faithful a fruitful Lenten journey that does not ignore the deep social issues from corruption to the national unity. It's a good inspiration also for each one of us!

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