Gereja Ganjuran, the Catholic church with Javanese culture

Gereja Hati Kudus Tuhan Yesus (The Sacred Heart of Jesus ) is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Bantul, Yogyakarta. It also well known as the Ganjuran church, based on where it is located. It is located in Ganjuran, Bambanglipuro, in the district of Bantul, Yogyakarta; about 17 kilometers at the south of the Yogyakarta city. The Ganjuran Church was built at 16 April 1924 by the Schmutzer family on the 2.5 hectares area land. The land was the location of a sugar mill owned by the Schmutzer family. In addition to build the church, the Schmutzer family also founded School, hospital that still exist until now. He also built a temple in the courtyard beside the Church building that is now becoming the place of pilgrimage for Catholics.

The Ganjuran church is not only well known as the oldest church building, but it is also the beginning of the existence of Catholics people in this area. Starting with about 25 were baptized in the Catholics Roman in 1922, now there are about 8,000 peoples registered as the member of the Church. Majority they are farmers, merchants, and laborers. instead of the Catholics that are living in this area, there are also many Catholic peoples from this area who then go and live in any other areas.

It is said when Mr. Schmutzer built the Church he had intended to use the Javanese architectural, but he was advised by the bishop to keep use the European architectural in the building. As a touch of Javanese culture then the Javanese culture he graced the altar with pair of angels with Javanese dress. While the main building and tower still adopted the European architecture. Then Mr Schmutzer built a temple at the side yard of the church. The temple is manifestation of the blending between the Javanese culture with the Catholic religion. The building is very similar as the Javanese Hindu temple, but with the statue of Jesus inside.

Until later when there was earthquake disaster in Yogyakarta in 2006, the church has severely damaged and had to be restored. The new building was made in the Joglo style, the traditional Javanese house. The poles was filled with wajikan (parallelogram) ornaments a Java-style carving models. The same as the ceiling where the Javanese ornament was also used to enhanced the building. The sculpture of Javanese angel from the old building was keep to enhance the altar. Now we can see the Roman Catholic church with the Javanese architectural style building.

The acculturation of Javanese culture with the Catholic religiosity is not only demonstrated at the building, but also picturing in the worship and liturgy. One time every week, the Holy Mass is held in the Javanese language. Mass for feast days such as Easter or Christmas are held with Javanese nuance; Javanese traditional dress is used by the entire mass officers including the pastor. The songs are performed by the Javanese language and accompanimentwith gamelan, the traditional Javanese music. The church anniversary is commemorated with tumpengan, the tradition of Javanese birthday party.

In this area there are also located tomb, hospitals, orphanages and the temples of Sacred Heart of Lord Jesus. The temple that is stand on the lawn beside the church is the other building that picturing the acculturation of Javanese culture with the Catholic religion. The temple is made of Merapi stones that were arranged to build the tall and slender building like Javanese Hindu temple, but in there is a statue of Lord of Jesus inside as the symbol of Jesus as the King of Javanese peoples.

The Ganjuran church now has become pilgrimage destination for the Catholics. Near the temple there is relief picturing the crucifixion of Jesus to help the Catholic peoples to pray. There is wellspring as a well as the Catholic place prayer. Many people believe the water is full of blessing for healing and salvation.

The large yard with many evergreen plants brings the shade and comfortable atmosphere make this place to be an ideal place to pray and calm down. Every day many people come to pray or just take rest in this place.