The Catholic Church of St. Yusuf, the first Catholic Church in Semarang

theolingua.id – The Catholic Church of St. Yusuf – Kampung Lawas Gedangan in Semarang City holds an interesting historical trail to explore. Located on Jalan Ronggowarsito, the area has witnessed the development of the Catholic community in Semarang over the centuries. This area not only has strong historical value, but also holds stories of the struggle of the people to defend their identity and beliefs.

Two historical buildings that have become religious icons in the area are the Catholic Church of St. Joseph and the Convent of St. Francis. These two buildings not only have deep spiritual value, but are also silent witnesses to the development of colonial architecture in Semarang. With their distinctive European architectural style, which is still well-preserved today, these two buildings are a special attraction for tourists and Catholics who want to trace the history of their community in this city.

The First Catholic Church in Semarang

The Catholic Church of St. Yusuf is the oldest Catholic church in Semarang. The establishment of this church cannot be separated from historical events in the Dutch East Indies. During the reign of the Vereeniging Oost-Indie Compagnie (VOC), Catholics were under pressure and had to worship in secret. This situation changed when Governor-General Herman Willem Daendels allowed Catholics to worship openly again in 1808.

On 10 April 1808, two missionary priests, Jacobus Nielsen and Lambertus Prinsen, celebrated public mass in Batavia, which was later remembered as the beginning of Catholic missionary work in the Dutch East Indies. A few months later, Father Lambertus Prinsen arrived in Semarang on 27 December 1808. Because they did not yet have their own church, Catholics in Semarang initially attended services at the Blenduk Protestant Church on 18 January 1809.

However, Pastor Prinsen realised that the Catholic community needed its own place of worship. In 1825, he bought a building near Taman Srigunting, which was later used as the first Catholic church in Semarang. However, the poor condition of the church building prompted plans to build a larger and more permanent church.

Construction of the Catholic Church of St. Joseph

The construction of the church faced various obstacles, especially related to funding and land. It was not until 1859 that Governor General C.F. Paud proposed a grant of 50,000 guilders to support the construction of the church. Although the funds were not released until a decade later, the church construction project continued in a larger area, namely in Gedangan.

On 1 October 1870, Father Lijnen laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Catholic Church of St. Joseph. However, various obstacles arose again, including the collapse of part of the church roof on 12 May 1873. As a result, the design of the church had to be changed to make it safer from disasters. After going through various challenges, the construction of the church was finally completed, and the church was blessed on 12 December 1875.

The Catholic Church of St Joseph was built in the Neo-Gothic architectural style. The red bricks that adorn the building were imported directly from Europe. The church doors and windows maintain the Neo-Gothic style with stained glass depicting saints and stories from the New Testament. The beautiful church altar was imported directly from Düsseldorf, Germany. One of the most interesting elements of this church is the old organ made in 1903 which still stands firmly on the church balcony.

In addition, around the church is a statue of Pastor Lijnen in honour of his services in establishing the church. The rectory next to the church also has a long history, especially with the presence of Monsignor Mgr. Soegijapranata, S.J., Indonesia’s first native bishop, who once lived there.

Sisters of St. Francis: A Trace of Ministry in Semarang

Across from the church is the St. Francis Convent, which has a longer history than the church itself. This building is the centre of religious services for the sisters of the Order of St. Francis (OSF). The presence of OSF sisters in Semarang has strengthened the role of the church in education and social services.

The convent is not only a place of residence for the sisters, but also a centre of education and health for the people of Semarang. The sisters are active in establishing schools, hospitals and orphanages, which have a positive impact on the surrounding community.

Conclusion

The Santo Yusuf Catholic Church and the St. Francis Sisters in Kampung Lawas Gedangan are clear evidence of the historical journey of Catholics in Semarang. The beauty of the church’s architecture, which is still well-preserved today, is a special attraction for tourists and believers who want to learn more about the history of Catholicism in Indonesia. Every detail of the building, from the doors to the stained glass windows, reflects a deep blend of aesthetics and spirituality, creating a sacred atmosphere that invites solemnity.

Meanwhile, the existence of the Sisters of St. Francis reflects the important role of religious communities in social service and education. The sisters who live there have made significant contributions to the fields of healthcare, education, and community welfare. Through various social initiatives, such as the establishment of schools and hospitals, they have been an integral part of building Semarang as an inclusive city that cares for others. Visiting these two historic buildings is not just a tourist trip, but also a journey through history and an opportunity to understand the spiritual values that have been passed down from generation to generation.