"For the Pontifical Mass, we project attendance of around 3,000 to 3,500 people," said Susyana Suwadie, the cathedral's public relations representative.
She explained the cathedral implemented a special registration system to regulate congregants. The Pontifical Mass began at 8:30 a.m. local time.
Following the Pontifical Mass, the cathedral held a family mass at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Fr. Yohanes Deodatus. The homily was delivered in child-friendly language to help young attendees better understand its message.
A mass for elderly worshippers followed at 4:00 p.m. The Christmas celebrations concluded with an evening mass at 6:00 p.m., led by the cathedral's head pastor, Fr. Hani Rudi Hartoko.
Suwadie said this year's Christmas message emphasized the role of families in addressing social problems affecting society.
She added that social issues and crimes, including child trafficking, could be mitigated through stronger family resilience and active family roles, adding that Catholics were encouraged to reflect on the Archbishop's message.
The cathedral held two Christmas Eve masses on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., each attended by more than 5,000 Catholics.
The Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) set this year's Christmas theme as "God is present to save the family," inspired by Matthew 1:21–24.
Fr. Hani said the theme served as a reminder that Christmas could not be separated from the family context.
He added that the presence of Jesus Christ within families was expected to inspire Indonesian Catholics to reflect His values in their daily family life.
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Translator: Riezko Bima Elko, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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