Pilgrimage with the Bernardus Community of St. Joseph Ambarawa
On Sunday June 29, 2025, I joined a special spiritual journey with the Bernardus Community from St. Joseph Ambarawa. Our destination was Gua Maria Puhsarang (Puhsarang Marian Grotto), located in Kediri, East Java. This site is one of the most well-known Catholic pilgrimage places in Indonesia, cherished for its unique design and deep historical roots. A Journey Through the Fog Our journey began early in the morning. A thick fog blanketed the road, creating a quiet and sacred atmosphere. From the bus window, trees appeared faintly through the mist, as if nature was guiding us on a peaceful spiritual path. Arriving at Gua Maria Puhsarang When we arrived at the Puhsarang Lourdes Grotto , we were welcomed by serene surroundings and stunning architecture. The church itself was built in 1936 by Father Jan Wolters, CM, and architect Henri Maclaine Pont. It beautifully blends traditional Javanese design with European Catholic symbolism, making it both unique and culturally rooted. Our g...