St John Bosco Parish Jakarta

By Fr. Andre Delimarta, SDB
Photos: by Ms. Ernie Djohan, ASC

Parish of St John Bosco, Jakarta, Indonesia, 17 May 2019 -- The parish of St John Bosco in Jakarta, Indonesia, since the beginning was officially inaugurated as a church for young people, and known as the parish of young people. Various types of groups, activities and services for young people take place every week, like altar boys, vocational groups called Magone, SBFG Dance Group, Fellowship of young people's prayer, Sunday school for children and teenagers, lovely hands (Children in different needs) are all given special attention.

On the 4th week of Easter after the Holy Mass, under the care of parish youth, the Oratorio Don Bosco was introduced in a festive spirit to the people. Keeping the spirit of the Risen Christ and cheerful oratorian children, the parishioners together with other young people, marched in carnival style towards the gate of the Oratorio. It was estimated that hundreds of young people from the age of 10-19 years participated in this oratory party. Besides the SDBs, there was also the active involvement of the FMA sisters and Salesian Cooperators (ASC) putting on Mamma Margaret costumes, distributing snacks to children and those present as well. Various games, music, dances and performances were well attended and enjoyed by those present.

The oratory in the context of the church in the archdiocese of Jakarta is a new thing. By reactivating the oratory in this Salesian parish, young people from all over the surrounding parishes were given space and time for serving others and in this way they become apostles of youth. People from other parishes could also benefit and get involved in this unique Don Bosco style education system. Some parishes around have asked that they be allowed to actively participate in this weekly activity, with the hope that someday they can also organize the same activities in their place.

That 4th Easter Sunday, young people of St John Bosco Parish Jakarta not only took a step forward in their service of the Church but also made their faith grow deeper and more rooted.

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