The Church in Batavia.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXX, Issue 14, 3 April 1902, Page 20

The Church in Batavia.

Java is a Dutch possession in the East Ind'es. Its capital ia Batavia. The establiwhed religion is that of the Dutch Reformed sect, but the Catholic Church is in that far-away island as it is here (says the Sacred Heart licvieio). A Protestant writer describes as follows a Catholic religious service in Batavia, which shows what a hold the Church has upon the hearts of the natives :—: — 'As we approach the city we overtake throngs of country people dressed in the graceful native custom and carrying in their hands rosaries asd prayer-books. At last we draw up before the cathedral, into which a steady stream of people ia pouring. The west facade is severe and somewhat heavy in style, but its size and its noble rose-window give it an air of dignity. As I step within the dim, vast church, I am impressed with the beauty of its proportions. The broad nave is bounded on either side by pillars extending upwards into lofty, soaring arches which lose themselves in the dimness overhead. Beyond these there extend on either hand wide aisles, and beyond these again shine the long rows of stained-glass windows. Saints and martyrs gaz9 down upon us in a glory of coloring, while over the altar at the far east end, our Lord sits enthroned as King, His hand uplifted iv blessing. The altar, beneath this window, is twinkling with many tapers. Already the vast church is crowded with worshippers, and still they pour in, men, women and children, old and young. Kneeling on the clean matting that covers the floor, they begin with bowed heads to recite the rosary. ' There is not a seat; in the church, and except for a few sweetfaced European Sisters of Charity, the vast congregation consists entirely of native?, The Dutch are almost all Protestantß and have their own places of worship in their eastern possessions, but they attempt little missionary work among the heathen, nor does it seem probable that their cold, severe form of belief will ever prove acceptable to the natives. ' But the organ rumbles and, from their gallery far overhead, the choir begins to chant the Asperges. Three European priests ia red vestments, preceded by native acolytes in scarlet cassocks and cottas, descend the aisle, while the people bend and cross themselves as they pass. The Mass proceeds, sung simply but tunefully by native men and women. 'The Mass is a long one, and a great number of communicants go up to the altar. Though it is still early morning, the heat within the church gradually becomes more and more intense. The great punkahs that swing over ua seem to fan us with burning air, and packed together as we are, it is as if we fairly exhaled heat. At last the service is over, and I find myself once more in the open air.'