Indonesian Bishop blesses syncretist crucifix
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This new faith, it is a new religion. It is a protestant religion. That is a fact! How is it possible that the Pope gives the authorization to this change? How is it possible that the Pope can sign this constitution [on liturgical change]? It is a deep mystery.” (Archbishop Lefebvre, Conference, May 11, 1976)

“My dear friends, you continue to represent the true Church, the Catholic Church. I think you need to he convinced of this: You really represent the Catholic church! I don’t say there is no Church outside of us, it’s not about that. But recently, we are told that it was necessary that the Tradition enter into the visible Church. I think a very, very serious mistake is committed here. Where is the visible Church? The visible Church is recognized by the marks that have always been given to visibility: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. I ask: Where are the true marks of the Church? Are they more evident in the official Church (this is not the visible church, it is the official church) or in us, in what we represent, what we are? Clearly we are the ones who preserve the Unity of the Faith which disappeared from the official church. One bishop believes in this, the other not, faith is different, their catechisms contain abominable heresies. Where is the unity of the Faith in Rome?” (Archbishop Lefebvre, Econe, Sept. 9, 1988)


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Indonesian Bishop blesses syncretist crucifix

[Image: B042-Ind-1.jpg]


TIA | June 18, 2023

In preparation for Indonesian Youth Day - IYD - to take place this June 26-30, 2023, the Purwokerto Diocese made a cross to be carried by its youth in ceremonies during that gathering.

The cross, first row below, represents a dancing Christ wearing an Indonesian hat - blangkon - and yellow shawl. The crucifix is set upon a shield with four groups of symbols, roughly taken from the Coat of Arms of Bishop Christophorus Tri Harsono, the Ordinary of Purwokerto in Central Java.

On May 18, 2023, this crucifix was present at the Ascension Day Mass in Christ the King Cathedral in Purwokerto, and blessed by its Bishop, above and below second to fourth rows.

During that Mass members of the local clergy, fourth row, explained the symbolism of the diverse parts as follow:

The dancing Christ is executing steps of the Lenger dance, a remnant from the Hindu cultural heritage used to worship the goddess Durga, the goddess of fertility. When Hinduism arrived in Java, it made a syncretist action and assumed the dance in honor of Dewi Siri, the local goddess of fertility. This dance is used to thank the pagan gods for good harvests, for cleansing rituals and to ask their protection.

The hat represents the encounter of the Big Universe and the Small Universe, and is a symbol of harmony and the openness to other religions.

The yellow shawl represents the glory of human dignity that must be fought for and respected. It likewise represents warmth, peace and love “in our relationship with Allah; we find the warmth of love, protection and comfort together with Allah.”

The syncretist character of this crucifix as well as the lack of respect for Our Lord crucified reflected in this dancing Christ caused strong reactions of protest among many Catholics in Indonesia, which obliged the Diocese, through its IYD Commission, to renounce its use for the coming youth meetings.

Nonetheless, the fact remains that it had full support of the Purwokerto Diocese as well as of its entire clergy.

Second to last row, the youth delegation to IYD poses with the syncretist crucifix. Last row, Bishop Christophorus Tri Harsono with his coat of arms.


[Image: B042-Ind-2.jpg]
"So let us be confident, let us not be unprepared, let us not be outflanked, let us be wise, vigilant, fighting against those who are trying to tear the faith out of our souls and morality out of our hearts, so that we may remain Catholics, remain united to the Blessed Virgin Mary, remain united to the Roman Catholic Church, remain faithful children of the Church."- Abp. Lefebvre
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