Indonesian Catholic Community celebrates anniversaries

On Sept. 6 the Indonesian Catholic community of the diocese gathered at St. Joseph the Worker parish in Loma Linda to celebrate its 25th anniversary of its ministry establishment and the 81st Indonesia Independence Day. The observance included a Mass celebrated by Bishop Alberto Rojas and concelebrated by Bishop Emeritus Gerald Barnes and several other priests. The Indonesian Catholic community and others at the Mass came dressed in their traditional cultural attire. Following the Mass was a reception in the parish hall that included food and group photos with Bishop Rojas and Bishop Barnes in front of a large 25th anniversary backdrop. The Indonesian Catholic Community ministry of the diocese was established in August of 2001 and organized Indonesian Masses to be celebrated regularly at St. Joseph The Worker. The ministry collaborates with the Diocesan Asian Pacific Islander Ministry and other ethnic groups in the diocese. On August 17, Indonesia commemorates its Independence Day, which marks the nation’s proclamation of independence in 1945 after centuries of Dutch colonial rule in 1945.