Cardinal Suharyo: Ecclesiastical Choir Festival is a spiritual occasion, the unity of all people

The President of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) and the Archbishop of Jakarta (KAJ), Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo, described Paduan Suara Gerejawi (Pesparani), a Catholic Ecclesiastical Choir Festival, as a spiritual landmark and a moment of unity for all people.

The cardinal said this at the beginning of the second National Pesparani series of events in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which started on October 27 at the Oepoi Stadium courtyard with the Nusantara Expo.

Over 400 people, including Catholics and people of other religions from all corners of the country, participated in the opening ceremony of the Expo. 

The cardinal pointed out that the Second National Pesparani was held on the same day as the Youth Pledge on October 28. This was done so that the spirit of brotherhood and unity could be felt at this national event.

"There is a need to communicate a sense of oneness and brotherhood. When examining history, Catholics recognize that Pesparani is both a spiritual and a communal event, he said, adding that it is "a celebration for God and the Motherland."

In addition, the cardinal emphasized that Pesparani has a very powerful sense of tolerance.

“There is a strong message of tolerance in the events of today. The performers are Muslim ladies and dancers from around the country, including Hindu women," the prelate said. 

A Muslim, who was present at the event, saw the spirit of tolerance firsthand.

"I am a Muslim, yet I'm intrigued by this Pesparani." said Siti Halima, who was one of the many people in the Oepoi Stadium yard to watch the opening of the Nusantara Expo.

"I want to see it for myself and meet Catholics from all over Indonesia," he added.

The Deputy Governor of NTT Province, Yosef Nai Soi, opened the Nusantara expo and said that Pesparani is a celebration for people of all races and religions in the archipelago, not just Indonesian Catholics.

“Not only Catholics but also people from all other religions are on the organizing committee and come to Pesparani II,” he said.

Soi stated, "This embodies the spirit of NTT as the most beautiful province of tolerance."

Sixty Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (UMKM) participants used the booths at the Nusantara Expo.

At this expo, visitors can buy locally made treats, NTT woven fabrics, traditional accessories, and a variety of drinks.

The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, is scheduled to inaugurate the National Ecclesiastical Choir (Pesparani) event on October 28 (See RVA News, October 24, 2022). - Kasmir Nema