Santa Maria Lourdes Church at Promasan

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A. Overview

For you who have visited Sendangsono Maria Grotto in Kulonprogo must know about Santa Maria Lourdes Church at Promasan. Both are in fact inseparable. The latter is one of the culturally protected areas owned by the Cultural Agency of Special Province of Yogyakarta. It is one of the oldest churches in Java, built some times after the Catholic missionaries took their steps in Muntilan, Central Java. Historically, Promasan Parish was the continuation and development of Santa Theresia Lieseux Boro Presbytery and Parish in 1930, also of the baptismal of 173 people at Sendangsono on December 14^th 1904.

It started with christian seeds of faith spread in Kalibawang, there grew and developed Catholic community in Promasan. On May 20^th 1904, coincided with the celebration of Pentecost, four people from Kalibawang were baptized by Father F. Van Lith, SJ in Muntilan. The four of them then introduced christian teachings who then made the christian teaching in Kalibawang developed rapidly. One of them was Barbanan Sarikromo. He traveled around Promasan, Tuksongo, Semagung, Kajoran, Kalisentul and Kerug to teach religion. Barnabas picked fruit of his hardwork and effort that on December 14^th 1904, 173 people were baptized in Sendangsono. These people came from Tuksongo, Semagung, and Kajoran. It was due to his merit that the Pope bestowed him a great respect and addressed him prominent figure in the development of Christianity in Kalibawang.

After the baptism of 173 people, the christian belief grew stronger and those who were baptized in 1904 went to Muntilan every Saturday for the religion class, and every Sunday to celebrate Eucharist at Muntilan church. In response to the rapid development and to serve the community better, the church delegated Father Groenwegen, SJ to guide Kalibawang people, and in 1914 he led Eucharist celebration in Kajoran. In 1918, he founded an Elementary School (SR) in Ploso. The school establishment finished in 1922. The school was also used for Eucharist celebration.

In 1923, Kalibawang was set as the station of Mendut. Although it is a part of Mendut, it was for economic and accessibility reasons that people celebrated Eucharist at Muntilan Church. In 1924-1935 Kalibawang was led by Father Prennthaler, SJ. To make the religious teaching more effective, Father Prennthaler organized pamomong or generally called the neighborhood chief for Promasan and Boro who then initiated the establishment of church in Promasan. Prennthaler’s work in Promasan was continued by Father Teppema, SJ and Father Jasawihardja, SJ. The establishment of Promasan church lasted from 1937 to 1940 before finally on December 18^th 1940 it was inaugurated by Mgr. Soegijapranata, SJ and it was under the patronage of Our Lady at Lourdes that it was named Santa Maria Lourdes Church.

Until 1958, Promasan is a station of Boro Parish and on January 1^st 1959, it was set as a parish. Since then, the administration affair was taken care by Promasan Parish. In 1971 – 1973, other parts of Promasan Parish namely Kerugmunggang and Kenalan joined Mertoyudan Parish to fill the absence of priest in Borobudur. In 1973, Kerugmunggang and Kenalan were returned to Promasan Parish. The decision was written in the KAS Policy on Borobudur Parish No: 1063/B/I/s/73. Back then, Promasan Parish was divided into 25 small groups of 8 areas.

Since 1981, Promasan Parish began to think about the development of its environment that it began to establish chapels for religious practice. In Father VM Kartasudarma Pr’s guidance, the chapel establishment is almost finish and up to today there have been 11 chapels spread all over places under Promasan Parish.

B. Features

Santa Maria Lourdes Promasan Church is the first route before Stations of the Cross, but most people go straight to Sendangsono Maria Grotto.

Although the church is located in rural area, the building is luxurious. It has large room equipped qith wooden seats. The building design is also very antique with enchanting high tower.

C. Location

Santa Maria Lourdes Church at Promasan is located in the pilgrimage area of Sendangsono Maria Grotto at Semagung Orchard, Banjaroya Village, Kalibawang District, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta.

D. Access

To get to Santa Maria Lourdes Church in Sendangsono Maria Grotto visitors or pilgrims must take their private vehicles since the location is only 25 minutes from Wates main road. Moreover, they must pass the narrow passage westwards. However, there is a public transportation route Yogya – Kalibawang which will take visitors to Banjaran administration office.

Santa Maria Lourdes Church is located not far away from Sendangsono Maria Grotto. From a small path to Sendangsono, a few kilometers before its entrance, find a signpost directing to the church location.

E. Ticket

Visitors of Sendangsono Maria Grotto who want to go to Santa Maria Lourdes Church are free from any admission fee. Catholic people can also join the Daily Mass or Saturday and Sunday Masses. Visitors who want to know more about Santa Maria Lourdes Church can go to the parish secretariat office and ask the manager of rectory.

F. Accommodations and Other Facilities

There is a spacious parking area at Sendangsono Maria Grotto where visitors of Promasan Church can use. At Promasan Church itself there are such facilities as praying chambers, parish secreatriat office, and convenience. In addition, there is a small showroom providing visitors with many kinds of needs for religious activity such as prayers, rosary, T-shirt, and more. There is also the transitory hut for the pilgrims to take rest.

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