Awal Katolik di Kep.Aru

Summary

The transcript describes the history and development of Catholic missions in the Aru Islands, part of Indonesia's Maluku province. It outlines the efforts of early missionaries such as Pastor Philip Brown and others in establishing the Catholic faith, building churches, schools, and providing health services. Key milestones include the foundation of a Catholic school in 1952 and the establishment of a girls' dormitory in 1958. The growth of the Catholic community is linked to the 1970s, when local residents increasingly converted to Catholicism, particularly due to state policies. The mission's continued influence is seen in its social and religious impact on the islands.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Aru Islands, located in the Maluku Province of Indonesia, are known for their rich natural resources, including pearls and the rare bird of paradise.
• 😀 The Catholic mission in the Aru Islands can be traced back to the early 20th century, with efforts led by missionaries like Pastor Philipus Brown and others.
• 😀 The first attempts to establish a Catholic mission in Aru were made by the Prefecture Apostolic of Dutch Papua, beginning in the 1900s.
• 😀 Catholic missionary work became more regular after the Japanese occupation of Indonesia (1942-1945), particularly after the appointment of Monsignor Grand as the Vicar Apostolic.
• 😀 A small church building in Dobo was destroyed during the Japanese occupation and later rebuilt to support the Catholic mission in the region.
• 😀 In 1952, a primary school was established in Dobo as part of the educational mission, followed by the establishment of a secondary school in 1955.
• 😀 In 1957, Pastor Engelbertus Dumatubun MSC became the first permanent priest in Dobo, marking a significant milestone for the local Catholic community.
• 😀 In 1958, three sisters from the MM congregation opened a convent in Dobo and started a girls' dormitory to support students from various islands in the Aru Archipelago.
• 😀 The Catholic Church in Aru experienced rapid growth in the 1970s, particularly after Indonesia's government required citizens to follow one of the officially recognized religions.
• 😀 The Aru Catholic community faced challenges but continued to thrive, exemplifying their commitment to the mission of spreading the teachings of Christ, as outlined in their motto 'Put out into the deep.'

Q & A

What is the significance of the Aru Islands in Indonesia?

The Aru Islands are part of the Maluku province in Indonesia and are known for their rich natural resources, including pearls and the Cendrawasih bird, which is symbolic of the region.

How did Catholic missionary work begin in the Aru Islands?

Catholic missionary work in the Aru Islands began with efforts by figures like Pastor Doctor Mati Agnes MSC in the early 1900s, who tried to establish a mission station in the region.

What role did Pastor Philipus Brown MSC play in the Aru Islands?

Pastor Philipus Brown MSC visited the Aru Islands in 1908 as part of his missionary work, serving the local Catholic population and aiding the expansion of the Catholic mission.

What were some of the challenges faced by Catholic missionaries in the region?

The Catholic missionaries faced challenges such as the Japanese occupation during World War II (1942-1945), which disrupted their work, but they resumed their activities after the occupation ended.

What is the historical significance of the small church built in Dobo?

The small church built in Dobo before the Japanese occupation was an early center for Catholic worship in the area. It was destroyed during the occupation but later rebuilt to continue religious services.

How did the education system in Dobo develop under the influence of Catholic missionaries?

The missionaries established the first school in 1952 and later built a junior high school in 1955. This was part of their broader efforts to support local education.

Who were the first Catholic nuns to work in Dobo, and what did they establish?

In 1958, three nuns from the MM congregation—Sister Gertrudis, Sister Susanto Nita, and Sister Benedicta—established a mission in Dobo, where they started a girls' dormitory that housed girls from various islands.

How did the mandatory religious policy in the 1970s impact the Catholic population in Aru?

The mandatory religious policy, which required Indonesian citizens to follow one of the recognized religions, led many people in Aru, who previously practiced local beliefs, to convert to Catholicism.

What role did Pastor Cornelles Burst PC play in the development of the Catholic mission in the Aru Islands?

Pastor Cornelles Burst PC worked in Dobo from 1958 to 1964, where he continued the mission work and served the local community, followed by Pastor Fadli TBC, who started his service in 1964.

What was the contribution of Bapak Refra and the Catholic community to the region?

Bapak Refra, alongside the Catholic community, played a crucial role in delivering healthcare services to the local population, often traveling by motorcycle to provide medical aid and other services.