Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) now boasts a dedicated place of worship for Catholic believers. On Thursday afternoon (Feb. 22), the St. Athanasius Agung Chapel in the UGM Faith and Spirituality Center was blessed by the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Semarang (KAS), Mgr Robertus Rubiyatmoko.
Bishop Rubi delivered a moving sermon during the Chapel Blessing Mass, captivating the congregation with his heartfelt words. The church’s stunning architecture, reminiscent of a grand mall interior, has become a source of joy for the entire UGM community.
Bishop Rubi shared that the dream of establishing this church had been cherished for 40 years, dating back to his youth as a priest.
“When the rector gave the green light for this project, there was a palpable sense of excitement and hope among us all,” he expressed.
In a reflective session with lecturers and the community, Bishop Rubi underscored the significance of having a church. Firstly, the church serves as a symbol of community unity, acknowledging the presence and contributions of each individual in harmony with the spirit of Pancasila embraced by UGM.
He continued that the church fosters a sense of communal existence, where members move forward together as one cohesive unit. And thirdly, the church provides a sacred space for spiritual communion with God and fellowship with fellow believers.
“While prayer is possible anywhere, the church’s presence offers a tangible opportunity for encountering God, particularly through sacraments and worship,” he elaborated.
Bishop Rubi stressed that this church will serve as a hub for pastoral care and spiritual development for the entire community, empowering individuals to deepen their faith and receive spiritual nourishment.
He urged everyone to utilize this church as a service and community engagement platform. Concluding his homily, Bishop Rubi entrusted the church’s stewardship to the clergy and the congregation, expressing his hope that it would become a welcoming sanctuary for all believers.
He also emphasized the importance of humility and active participation in the church’s construction through donations and involvement.
With great enthusiasm and hope, the inauguration of the St. Athanasius Agung Chapel marks a historic moment for the entire UGM community. With the collaborative effort of all stakeholders, the presence of this chapel is anticipated to evolve into a sacred and blessed sanctuary for generations to come.
The Concelebrated Mass was led directly by the Archbishop of Semarang, Mgr Robertus Rubiyatmoko, alongside Father Vikep Yogyakarta Timur Adrianus Maradiyo Pr, Parish Priest of St. Antonius Kotabaru Father Maharsono SJ, and Catholic Student Companion in Yogyakarta Father Agustinus Daryanto SJ.
Bishop Rubi also inaugurated the Campus Mass Committee and the St. Athanasius Agung Chapel Management during the ceremony.
With the inauguration of this chapel, UGM now hosts six places of worship for various religions within the campus area. Alongside the Mosque of UGM and Mardliyyah Islamic Center, the UGM Faith and Spirituality Center includes two Church buildings for Catholic and Protestant Christian activities, a Buddhist Temple, a Confucian Temple, and a Hindu Temple.
Professor Tandelilin Eduardus emphasized that the church’s presence on the UGM campus serves not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for activities aimed at fostering faith and fraternity among Catholic academics at the university.
Through this church, Catholic academics at UGM are reminded of the importance of promoting tolerance and harmony with believers of other faiths.
“Hopefully, with the church’s blessing by Bishop Rubi, it will mark a significant moment for the Catholic academic community of Universitas Gadjah Mada, serving as the first step in strengthening our foundation of faith and love,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho