Santa Maria Palembang Cathedral: A Symbol of Beauty and Tolerance in South Sumatra

theolingua.id – After undergoing a six-year renovation process, the Santa Maria Palembang Cathedral, located on Jl. DR Sutomo, Talang Semut Village, Bukit Kecil District, Palembang, South Sumatra, was finally inaugurated on 25 March 2023. The inauguration marked a new chapter in the history of the church, presenting a larger and more magnificent building to accommodate the growing number of congregations who wish to worship solemnly.

With its magnificent neo-gothic architecture and a blend of local elements typical of South Sumatra, the cathedral is now one of the most beautiful churches on the island of Sumatra. The beauty of its design not only reflects the grandeur of European style, but also accommodates local cultural identity through Palembang motifs that adorn the interior and exterior of the building.

Inauguration and Consecration of the Cathedral

The inauguration and consecration of the Santa Maria Cathedral Church in Palembang was led by the Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia, Mgr. Piero Pioppo. The event was also attended by the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Palembang, Mgr. Yohanes Harun Yuwono, as well as bishops, monks, nuns, and thousands of Catholics who filled the cathedral.

In his remarks, Mgr. Yohanes Harun Yuwono expressed his gratitude for the completion of the church’s construction. He hopes that the presence of this new cathedral can strengthen the faith of Catholics in Palembang and become a symbol of brotherhood and tolerance between religious communities.

Not only religious leaders, but also local officials were present at this event. The Governor of South Sumatra, Herman Deru, said that he had been familiar with the church since he was a child and was proud of its existence as part of Palembang’s identity. He emphasised the importance of maintaining tolerance and togetherness in developing the region.

The Beauty of Neo-Gothic Architecture with a Local Touch

The Santa Maria Cathedral Church in Palembang features beautiful and magnificent European-style neo-Gothic architecture. This design can be seen from the towering building with arched windows and detailed ornaments. One of the main attractions of this church is the 20 colourful stained glass windows that depict stories from the Holy Bible, giving a sacred and artistic feel to the worshippers.

In addition to neo-Gothic elements, the church also carries elements of local culture that reflect Palembang’s identity. Some of the local elements embedded in the church’s design include:

• The motif of red lepus songket, which depicts the cultural richness of South Sumatra.
• A miniature of the Ampera Bridge, as the main icon of the city of Palembang.
• A pole with a rope thread motif, which symbolises the unity and strength of the Catholic community in Palembang.

Background and Reasons for Renovation

The Santa Maria Palembang Cathedral Church was first inaugurated on 8 December 1954. However, as the number of Catholics in Palembang grew, the old church building was no longer able to accommodate the entire congregation. Therefore, on 16 February 2017, the church began to be renovated and rebuilt so that it could better serve the spiritual needs of the congregation.

During the construction process, the church retained some elements from the old building to preserve the history and memories that had been established. Some of the parts that have been preserved include the small glass window behind the altar and the main door of the old church.

The Church as a Centre of Worship and Diversity

With a building area of 1,667 square metres and a capacity of up to 900 worshippers, the Santa Maria Cathedral Church is now one of the largest places of worship in Palembang. More than just a place of worship, the church also functions as a centre for social services, religious activities, and a meeting place for Catholics and the wider community.

Governor Herman Deru emphasized that the church is expected to be used not only for weekly worship or Christmas celebrations, but also for various spiritual and social activities that can strengthen relations between religious communities. Meanwhile, the Chair of the South Sumatra Regional Representative Council, Anita Noeringhati, added that the existence of this church is clear evidence that tolerance between religious communities in South Sumatra is well maintained.

Expectations and Significance of the New Cathedral’s Presence

The existence of the Santa Maria Palembang Cathedral is not only a symbol of the greatness of the Catholic faith, but also reflects harmony and unity in diversity. Great hopes are pinned on this magnificent building so that more and more people will find peace and deepen their faith.

Mgr. Yohanes Harun Yuwono hopes that with this larger and more beautiful cathedral, Catholics will be increasingly encouraged to give thanks for the Divine and become more active in social and religious services.

On the other hand, the Governor of South Sumatra emphasized that this church can be a symbol of brotherhood, where Catholics and the surrounding community can work together to build a peaceful, harmonious life.

Conclusion

The inauguration of the Cathedral Church of Santa Maria Palembang is a milestone for Catholics in South Sumatra. With a blend of beautiful neo-gothic architecture and distinctive local cultural elements, the church is not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the diversity, tolerance, and harmony of the Palembang community.

Hopefully, the existence of this cathedral will continue to be a centre of growth for the faith and togetherness of the people, as well as providing inspiration for the wider community in upholding the values of diversity and love in everyday life.