Renovation will be made by phases depending on the available fund collected from donators and philanthropists.
Renovation is marked with the laying of a corner stone by Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, who is a Catholic, planting of a Kalpataru tree by Yogyakarta governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, and the release of fish fry by deputy regent of Kulon Progo Sutedjo,
The time coincided with the 108th anniversary of first Catholic baptizing in Sendangsono, Kalibawang.
Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the committee for the renovation plan has carried out a survey with a team of geologists to see the availability of water resources around Sendangsono.
The plan is that a place will be built for Catholics making devotional visit to sanctify themselves before saying their prayer in Sendangsono.
"Based on the survey by a team of geologists there are water resources in Sendangsono. With the result of the survey we plan the renovation that Sendangsono will serve not only as a sacred place for Catholics but also as a tourist object," Purnomo said.
Renovation will begin by building Promasan Church, he added.
Purnomo said Sri Sultan HB X, Semarang Archbishop and Jacob Utama, a media magnate, and he himself will make up the supervisory council of the project to cost around Rp40 billion.
Sendangsono will be renovated to be like a Catholic sacred place in France where people, come to make a devotional visit and pray and take holy water.
The project will be financed entirely with fund collected from donors and philanthropists.
Home stay facility will be provided for Catholics making devotional visit to enjoy the quietness of the place for meditation, Purnomo said.
He said the home stay facility will be run by local people.
(H-ASG/S012)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
