Javanese Catholic Tradition Lives On in Sweet Friday Prayer Vigil at Puhsarang

Thousands of Catholic faithful from 46 parishes in the Diocese of Surabaya gathered last night for a prayer vigil Mass at the Lourdes Grotto in Puhsarang, Kediri, honoring the Javanese tradition of "Jumat Legi" or Sweet Friday.

 Many pilgrims from Surabaya joined the monthly pilgrimage, a special time for communal prayer.

The Mass was imbued with rich Javanese cultural elements, harmoniously blending Javanese customs with Catholic rituals, creating a spiritually enriching experience for the pilgrims.

"I always make an effort to come to Puhsarang every Friday Legi night unless there are unavoidable obligations," said Susilo, a Catholic from Sidoarjo.

Maria from Surabaya, also present at the vigil, expressed her gratitude, saying, "Last night's Friday Legi prayer vigil Mass at the Lourdes Grotto, Puhsarang Kediri, was a blessing. May God bless us all."

During the procession to the Lourdes Grotto, participants walked while carrying lit candles and singing the hymn "At Lourdes in the Grotto." 

Each candle was placed before the statue of the Virgin Mary, a symbol of the sincerity of their prayers. Prayer requests, initially hung on tree branches, were burned one by one, symbolizing their submission of hopes and prayers to God through the intercession of Mother Mary.