The heat was quite intense, and the air felt heavy. This kind of weather is probably normal here in Jakarta. The overcast clouds indicated that rain would soon fall, but I wasn’t sure because it’s always cloudy here.
On October 1, 2024, around 3 PM, raindrops started hitting the roof. It turned out that the rain came down. I peeked out from behind the curtain in my room. “The rain is quite heavy for a moment,” said Mas Hary when I asked.
My thoughts were on the Marian procession at the opening of the Rosary month. Fortunately, the rain lasted only a short time. The road in front of the rectory and the church were wet.
But since the rain didn’t last long, this evening’s preparations were not disturbed. Around 5:30 PM, the congregation began to arrive. Everyone gathered around the Marian Grotto, St Aloysius Gonzaga, Cijantung- Jakarta. Others filled the churchyard.
As recommended, each neighborhood group brought an image or statue of the Blessed Mother. The neighbourhood representatives carried these statues and images in procession into the church.
The opening celebration of Rosary month began at exactly 6:00 PM with a hymn. The service continued with the recitation of the rosary and reflection on the five sorrowful mysteries.
After the rosary prayer, the procession continued inside the church, followed by the Eucharistic celebration. The atmosphere was quite festive.
At the end of the Eucharist, the statues and images of the Blessed Mother were blessed before being returned to their respective neighbourhoods. These statues/images will be used on pilgrimage from house to house among families.
Some parishioners said today’s celebration was a bit different, and this procession was an interesting way for them to celebrate.
“We enjoyed this procession. It brought a different flavor,” said one parishioner.
“Thank you so much for the opening of the Rosary month this evening. For me, this was extraordinary. It was my first experience in Cijantung. Thank you, Father. I feel even more blessed,” wrote another parishioner via WhatsApp.
We hope and pray that the rosary prayers from house to house throughout this month will run smoothly. We learn from Mary’s example, who was humble, sincere, and full of faith. By doing so, we open the depths of our hearts to God.
As Mary said, “Do whatever he tells you,” during the miracle at Cana (John 2:5). Let us continue to keep our eyes on Christ and follow Him by meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary.
Ave Maria….
Happy Rosary Month!
Fr. Willy Ng Pala, CSsR.
