The Catholic Church in Indonesia inaugurated the Sancta Familia Church in Toraja, South Sulawesi, on Dec. 29, 2024, a church that features an altar integrated into a rocky karst hill.
Located in Sapak Bayobayo, Sangalla, Tana Toraja Regency, the church has drawn attention for its design and significance in the community.
The unique integration with the natural landscape has drawn attention to the structure.
The depiction of Christ’s corpus inside the church presents Jesus before his death. Michael Andin, CEO of the Holy Family Pilgrim Centre in Sapak Bayobayo, explained its design.
“The corpus depicts the critical situation when Jesus was in the agony and emotionally asked his Father to cast away his suffering while also asking his mother’s supportive morale,” Andin told LiCAS News.
The ceremony was officiated by Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, Makassar retired Bishop John Liku Ada’, and Bishop Frans Nipa of Makassar.
Bishop Ada’ highlighted the significance of the event as his early years were spent near the church site.
The church was designed by architect Ir. Andre Hadisubiakto from Surabaya, East Java.
Project management was handled by Robby L. Panglewai from Makassar. “I am honored being granted trust from this shrine’s management to supervise this project,” Panglewai told LiCAS News.
Julius Junus Tedja, president of the National Catholic Professionals and Business People (PUKATNAS), attributed the completion of the church to support from various individuals and groups.
“This includes the so-called PUKATNAS and PUKAT Makassar – the national and Makassar-based Catholic Professional and Business People,” Tedja said.
Additional assistance came from contributors like Willem from Surabaya, who supplied materials for the church.
Religious figures and attendees from various locations, including Makassar and Jakarta, were present for the ceremony. Prahastanto from Serpong, Banten Province, attended with his family and described the event as meaningful.
“This is a special moment for us to witness such a spiritual and community event in Toraja,” they shared with LiCAS News.
On the day prior, a session was conducted by Eleine Magdalena and her husband, providing spiritual insights as part of the preparations.
