Catholics acknowledge the ‘power of love’

By Konradus Epa, Jakarta

Bishop Johannes Maria Trilaksyanta Pujasumarta of Bandung in West Java has emphasized the “power of love” at an opening of a novena to observe the Month of Rosary.

“The power of love can change difficult situations,” he told about 200 Catholics present at the Catholic University of Atma Jaya, the event’s venue.

The Fellowship of Marian Devotion organized the Oct. 8-17 program that started with a procession of the Marian statue blessed by Pope John Paul II during his Indonesian visit in 1989. It includes praying the rosary prayers, a seminar and Masses. October is the traditional month of the rosary.

Bishop Pujasumarta pointed out that conflicts, hostilities and destruction exist in this world but that human beings must not lose their faith. “We should use our faith creatively so that we are able to deal with various problems.”

Herlina, a housewife, acknowledged that the power of love encouraged her to marry a layman suffering from poliomyelitis. “I could feel God’s intervention in our struggle,” she told the congregation. Her husband, Sinarahardja, said he went through a difficult time due to the disease.

Maria Soetopo, an organizer, said that repeated national conflicts and violence encouraged the fellowship to initiate the program 10 years ago. “It is only love that can change anything.”


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