Saint Monica, honored as the patron saint of Serpong Parish in South Tangerang, holds a special place in Catholic history as the devoted mother of Saint Augustine of Hippo, one of Christianity’s most influential theologians. Born in 331 A.D. in Tagaste—an ancient city that lies within present-day Algeria—Monica is remembered for her unwavering faith, patience, and relentless prayers for her son’s conversion. Her life story is a powerful testament to maternal love and perseverance in faith. What makes the choice of Saint Monica as the patron saint of Serpong Parish especially intriguing is the interesting historical echo it creates. Originally, Serpong Parish was part of the larger Karawaci Parish, which itself is dedicated to Saint Augustine. In turn, the Serpong Parish eventually fostered several new parishes in the region over the years. These include Citra Raya Parish, established in 2006; Curug Parish, founded in 2007; Alam Sutera Parish, which began in 2009 and will be featured in an upcoming post; and Villa Melati Mas Parish, which came into being in 2016. This growth reflects not only the expanding Catholic community in South Tangerang but also the enduring legacy of faith passed down through these interconnected parishes, much like the bond between Saint Monica and her son, Saint Augustine.
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| This church is located next to Santa Ursula School BSD Campus |
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| To date, the Serpong Parish has given birth to a number of new parishes |
The construction of Serpong Parish church began in 1992, marking an important milestone for the local Catholic community in South Tangerang. After three years of dedicated effort, the church was finally consecrated in 1995, officially establishing Serpong as a new parish with the capacity to accommodate around 800 worshippers. Although St. Monica Church is located in Tangerang Selatan (South Tangerang)—a city just outside Jakarta’s official boundaries—it remains under the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Jakarta. This new place of worship quickly became a spiritual home for many faithful in the rapidly growing suburban area. By 2012, Serpong Parish had grown remarkably to become the largest parish within the Archdiocese of Jakarta, boasting an impressive number of 22,830 registered parishioners. This dramatic growth mirrors the broader demographic changes in the region, as the outskirts of Jakarta experienced significant population expansion fueled by the development of new residential zones, commercial areas, and infrastructure projects. The expansion of the faithful naturally led to the creation of several new parishes over the years, serving to better accommodate and nurture the spiritual needs of the ever-increasing population.
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| The statue of Saint Monica is located near the altar |
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| At one time, this was the largest parish in the Archdiocese of Jakarta |
The church of Serpong Parish is strategically located next to the campus of Santa Ursula BSD, a prominent Catholic private school complex managed by the Ursuline Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula (OSU). Known for its academic excellence and strong character formation, Santa Ursula BSD is widely regarded as one of the top educational institutions in Indonesia. The Ursuline Sisters, whose motto is "Serviam" ("I will serve"), have long been committed to the mission of educating young people with integrity, discipline, and faith. The Order of Saint Ursula operates a network of schools across Indonesia through its educational foundations, and many of these institutions have become pillars of quality Catholic education in various regions. Personally, I feel a deep connection to the Ursuline legacy, as I myself was a student at one of their schools in Malang, East Java. I spent no less than 11 years of my early education within that nurturing environment—years that helped shape both my academic outlook and spiritual values.
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| From inside the church, turn back to the main entrance and look up |
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| The Marian Grotto is located at the back of the church |
At the rear side of the church, visitors will find the Marian Grotto, known as Gua Maria Luber Rahmat, along with a peaceful adoration room for quiet prayer. Inside the main worship area, a statue of Saint Monica, the church's patron, stands as a symbol of faith and devotion. While you're there, be sure to look upward toward the back of the church—where a stunning stained glass window beautifully illustrates key moments from Christ’s life: His birth, crucifixion, and resurrection. Serpong Parish’s journey—from a subdivision of Karawaci Parish to becoming a spiritual hub that inspired the formation of multiple new parishes—is a living example of how faith communities adapt and flourish. It echoes the spirit of its patron saint, Saint Monica, whose quiet strength and perseverance bore fruit in ways she may never have imagined. Just as her prayers helped shape the faith of a future saint, the foundations laid by the early Catholic community in Serpong have continued to spread blessings well beyond its walls.
Paroki Serpong
Gereja Santa Monika
Location Bumi Serpong Damai, Sektor 1.2, Jalan Alamanda Blok V No 1, Serpong, South Tangerang, Banten
Weekly Mas Schedule
Saturday, 05.00 PM, 07.30 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.30 AM, 05.00 PM, 07.30 PM
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