Pilgrimage with the Bernardus Community of St. Joseph Ambarawa

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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 group gathered in front of the church for a photo. Joy and hope filled every face, all dressed in our blue uniforms. I stood proudly among my friends and family, smiling brightly as we embraced the spirit of pilgrimage.



The Grotto Under Renovation

As we approached the grotto, we saw that it was undergoing renovations. Scaffolding surrounded the statue of the Virgin Mary, standing gracefully in a cave carved into the rock. Even though the area was under repair, it didn’t lessen the reverence we felt as we prayed and offered our intentions to Mother Mary.

A large yellow sign near the grotto read "Thank you for your prayers and support"—a sign of the community’s shared effort in preserving this sacred space.


My Father and the Holy Spring

One of the most touching moments for me was seeing my father collecting water from the holy spring nearby. There was a small fountain believed to carry blessings, where he carefully filled a bottle with the sacred water. A sign next to it read “Wash your face, hands & feet,” inviting us to symbolically purify ourselves before praying.


The Meaning of Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage was more than just a physical journey—it was a spiritual renewal. I felt the warmth of our community, the closeness of my family, and the peace that came from being in prayer. I brought home not just spiritual blessings, but beautiful memories that I will treasure in my heart forever.














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