In this post, we’re heading to another church located in Tangerang. However, unlike the parishes of Serpong, Alam Sutera, Villa Melati Mas, and Bintaro Jaya—which all fall under the Tangerang II Deanery—this particular parish, Pinang Parish, belongs to the Tangerang I Deanery. This distinction is the result of a deanery reorganization carried out by the Archdiocese of Jakarta on March 21, 2018, aimed at enhancing pastoral care and strengthening coordination among parishes in the rapidly developing Tangerang area. Our visit brought us to St. Bernadette Church, where we had the opportunity to walk through its spacious hall and observe the impressive infrastructure of this magnificent new building. At first glance, it’s difficult to imagine the long and arduous journey the parish community had to undertake even after the church itself was completed. Behind the peaceful ambiance and dignified architecture lies a history of persistent struggle: from protracted legal and administrative battles to significant challenges in obtaining required permits. One of the most difficult hurdles came in the form of resistance from certain segments of the surrounding community, which delayed the church's establishment despite it having already been granted necessary permits. These obstacles marked a difficult chapter in the parish’s history and serve as a testament to the perseverance and faith of its people, who remained steadfast in their mission to create a lasting place of worship.
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| The Pinang Parish was previously named Ciledug Parish |
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Beneath its beauty lies a story of resilience and unwavering hope
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The origins of Pinang Parish date back to 1990, when it was first established as Ciledug Parish, a proliferation of Tangerang Parish, to serve the Catholic community in Ciledug and nearby areas of both Tangerang and South Tangerang. With no permanent church building, worship services were initially held in temporary venues. That same year, local authorities denied permission to construct a church or even a multifunction hall, allowing only a permit for a temporary Sang Timur Catholic School building. By 1992, the parish was permitted to use the school building for weekend worship. Efforts to build a permanent church resumed in 2003, but faced opposition from parts of the local community, resulting in permit revocations and prolonged delays. In 2013, new permits were granted, but mass protests ensued, and legal challenges escalated all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of revoking the permits. In 2021, a new permit was issued, and despite another wave of opposition and court challenges, construction of the church began in August 2021, even as the legal battle continued. At the same time, the parish officially changed its name from Ciledug Parish to Pinang Parish, marking a new chapter in its identity. The Supreme Court ruling, which upheld the permit, was finally delivered in December 2022, clearing the way forward. By early 2023, the long-awaited St. Bernadette Church was completed and was solemnly consecrated by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo on June 11, 2023—marking the end of a decades-long struggle and a new beginning for the parish community.
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| This parish overcame a long struggle before reaching this point of grace |
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The patron, Saint Bernadette is known for her humility, perseverance, and quiet strength
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Interestingly, Saint Bernadette, the patron of Pinang Parish, also endured profound hardship throughout her life. Born in 1844 to a poor family in Lourdes, France, Bernadette Soubirous experienced poverty, malnutrition, and poor health from a young age. She suffered from chronic asthma and later developed tuberculosis of the bone, which caused her constant pain and ultimately led to her early death at the age of 35. Despite her illness, she remained devoted to her family, helping her mother care for her younger siblings. Her life took a miraculous turn on February 11, 1858, while she was gathering firewood near the Grotto of Massabielle by the Gave River. There, she experienced the first of 18 apparitions of a “young lady” who would later identify herself, in the local Gascon dialect, as “Que soy era Immaculada Councepciou” — I am the Immaculate Conception. During this time, Bernadette endured intense skepticism and interrogation from both civil and religious authorities, who questioned the authenticity of her visions. Despite the opposition, Bernadette remained steadfast. Years later, the Catholic Church officially recognized the authenticity of the apparitions, and Lourdes became a major pilgrimage site, known for miraculous healings and profound spiritual encounters. Bernadette later joined the Sisters of Charity in Nevers, where she lived a quiet, humble life, hidden from the public eye. She bore her illness with remarkable faith and obedience, becoming a symbol of humility and perseverance. She was beatified in 1925 and canonized a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1933. Today, Saint Bernadette is not only remembered for her visions but also for the grace and strength with which she bore her suffering—qualities that deeply resonate with the journey of Pinang Parish, which itself was shaped by adversity and unwavering faith.
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| Thomas Suraya as the architect and interior designer developed Hadi Vincent's design concept |
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| Architectural symbols in the interior reflect his thoughtful contemplation as a Catholic |
The design and creation of Gereja Santa Bernadet Paroki Pinang were led by Thomas Suraya, who took on the roles of both architect and interior designer. Collaborating closely with the parish’s construction and design team, including project manager Sahat Manalu, Suraya helped realize the vision for this remarkable church. The original concept was inspired by architect Hadi Vincent, whose ideas were further developed and refined by Suraya and the parish team. The design of Gereja Santa Bernadet Paroki Pinang thoughtfully reflects its commitment to harmony with the surrounding community. Notably, the church building does not feature a cross or bell on its exterior—an intentional choice made out of respect for the predominantly non-Catholic neighbors. Instead, the architecture focuses on symbolic elements inside, such as a stepped ceiling representing spiritual growth, a golden dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit, and a balcony shaped like a ship’s hull, symbolizing the church as a vessel of faith. Beside the church, the Marian grotto with a statue of St. Bernadette stands as a quiet, meaningful tribute to the parish’s patron saint, evoking her vision at Lourdes and connecting the community to its spiritual roots. Named the Marian Grotto of Sudimara, after the church’s current location, this structure is crafted from natural stones sourced from Wonosobo, Central Java. The grotto was officially consecrated on August 8, 2024.
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| No cross or bell outside, as respectful gesture to the local community |
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| Marian grotto with St. Bernadette’s statue, symbolizing her Lourdes vision |
The journey of Pinang Parish, much like the life of its patron Saint Bernadette, is a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and hope amidst challenges. From decades of struggle to the beautiful realization of a spiritual home, this parish now stands as a beacon of grace and community. With its meaningful architectural symbols and the serene Marian Grotto nearby, Gereja Santa Bernadet invites all visitors to reflect on the enduring strength found in faith and the blessings of perseverance. May this sacred space continue to nurture the spiritual growth of its congregation and inspire all who enter its doors.
Paroki Pinang
Gereja Santa Bernadet
Location Jalan Akses Graha Raya No 12, Sudimara, Pinang, Tangerang, Banten
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 06.30 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 PM, 04.30 PM
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