Ganjuran, Yogya, Christ in Javanese Culture Celebration

Some men in Javanese attire sat before the temple and some people sang accompanied with the gamelan orchestra. A few sets of gunungan were also placed next to the altar. It sounds like a typical Javanese celebration? Yup, but this one is a Holy Mass celebration of Ganjuran Parish, Bantul, Yogya, an annual celebration of Javanese culture, religion and thanksgiving expression.

This unique holy mass was situated in the only Jesus Sacred Heart Temple or known as Candi Hati Kudus Yesus in Ganjuran, Bantul, Yogya.

This Hindu-style Temple was built next to the Parish Church, a church complex that was established by a Dutch family who ran the sugar factory that used to be next to the church’s present location. This Dutch family also built some charity ministries from schools until hospitals in Yogya. The name Sacred Heart is used as a devotion to the Sacred Heart. It might inspire this year’s theme : To bless the others after we receive God’s blessing

The temple as well as the church visibly are heavily influenced by the local Javanese culture, regarding the art used for the church and (mainly) the temple

This annual celebration is held on every last Sunday every June