The Church of St. Thérèse in Menteng, Central Jakarta, is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in the city. Menteng Parish is, in fact, the third oldest parish in Jakarta, following the Cathedral Parish in Central Jakarta and St. Joseph Parish in Matraman, East Jakarta. The parish was officially established in 1932, two years after the church building was completed. As early as 1927, however, the local Catholic community began celebrating Mass at St. Thérèse Catholic School, during a time when the Menteng and Gondangdia areas were being developed as a garden-city style residential neighborhood under Dutch colonial planning. A plot of land on what was then Soendaweg (now Jalan Gereja Theresia) was allocated for the church.
That same year, Dutch architect Theodore van Oyen, working with the Fermont & Cuypers architectural firm, designed the church in a modernist colonial style. His design blended Art Deco elements with New Indies Style adaptations suited to Jakarta’s tropical climate. The architectural style harmonized with its surroundings, making the church initially resemble an ordinary house except for its tall pointed spire, which distinguishes it as a place of worship. The church’s bell tower stands tall above the entrance, its elegant spire topped with a cross that serves as a visible landmark. Installed and blessed during the church’s inaugural Mass in 1934, the bell has remained a symbolic presence in the Menteng skyline ever since. Though the building may not appear large from the outside, it can accommodate up to 800 people. In later years, Menteng Parish would go on to give rise to two other parishes in the area, which are Jalan Malang Parish and Cideng Parish.
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| Menteng Parish on Central Jakarta is the third oldest parish in The Archdiocese of Jakarta |
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| Its modernist New Indies design reflects the style of the surrounding neighborhood |
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The Church of St. Thérèse in Menteng is dedicated to its patron, St. Thérèse of Lieieux who is also known as St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, whose life of humble devotion continues to inspire the faithful. Born Marie Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873, in Alençon, France, she was the youngest daughter in a deeply devout Catholic family. Her parents, Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie Guérin, are recognized as the first and only canonized married couple in the Catholic Church. Of their nine children, only five daughters survived infancy and all of them entered religious life. From a young age, Thérèse longed to join the Carmelite order like her older sisters but was initially considered too young.
Her determination eventually led her to personally appeal to the Pope Leo XIII, and she was granted permission by the Bishop of Bayeux to enter the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at just 15 years old. Thérèse lived a hidden life of humility, obedience, and deep spiritual devotion. Through her "little way"—doing small things with great love—she became a model of simplicity and trust in God's mercy. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 24, yet her posthumous autobiography Story of a Soul touched countless lives. Canonized in 1925, just a few years before the construction of the church in Menteng, she was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997. As the patroness of this church, St. Thérèse reflects the spirit of quiet strength, unwavering faith, and childlike trust in divine providence, qualities that continue to inspire the faithful in Jakarta and beyond.
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| This church also serves the Expatriate Parish which also served by Jesuit priests |
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| Intricate stained glass windows are positioned above each of the church’s doors |
The church was built without any central pillars or columns, allowing an unobstructed view of the altar from every part of the nave. The first Mass in the newly constructed building was celebrated by Pastor Antonius Theodorus van Hoof, S.J., who at the time served as Pro-Vicar Apostolic of Batavia. Above the altar, a colorful arrangement of small stained glass windows depicts Jesus surrounded by the Twelve Apostles. In addition, three beautiful rose windows can be found above the church's doors. The main door features the initials "St Th" in dedication to St. Thérèse, the patroness of this church. The rose window above the western side door bears the initials "S M" for Sancta Maria, while the eastern side window displays "S J" for Sanctus Josephus.
The “S J” inscription is often misinterpreted as referring to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), likely due to the Jesuit presence in the parish. In fact, Jesuits have played an active role in the parish since its early years. In 1936, Pastor F. Fleerakkers, S.J. was appointed as the first official parish priest, on the same year Menteng Parish was formally established. Moreover, the Church of St. Thérèse also serves as the home of the St. Peter Canisius International Catholic Parish (STPCICP) or originally known as the Expatriate Parish of Jakarta since 2003. This international community, which still does not have its own dedicated church building, has been pastorally served by Jesuit priests since 1990.
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| A series of colorful stained glass panels above the altar depict Jesus and His Apostles |
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| The Porta Sancta in this parish distinctly leads to the Marian Grotto behind the church |
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Unlike most parishes where the Porta Sancta is situated at the main entrance, the Menteng Parish has uniquely positioned it behind the church building, leading directly to the Marian Grotto Queen of the Apostles. This deliberate placement offers a profound spiritual journey for pilgrims. Passing through the Porta Sancta symbolizes embarking on a path of hope, with Mary, revered as both Mother of Hope and Stella Maris (Star of the Sea), guiding the faithful through life's challenges. The grotto serves as a serene space for reflection, reminding visitors that genuine hope is not mere optimism, but a grace-filled strength found amidst trials, much like Mary's steadfast presence at the foot of the Cross. This journey culminates in a deeper connection with Christ, echoing the Church's motto, Per Mariam ad Iesum—through Mary to Jesus. The Porta Sancta at Gereja Santa Theresia was inaugurated in January 2025 as part of the Jubilee celebrations, inviting the faithful to experience renewal and grace through this sacred passage. This grotto was consecrated on January 9, 1988 and in October 2012, the grotto underwent a significant renovation to enhance its role as a place of prayer and reflection, honoring Mary as the Queen of the Apostles. |
| The Marian Grotto Queen of the Apostles invites us to experience renewal of hope |
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| The panels provide insight into the decision to open the Porta Sancta that leads to the Marian Grotto |
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To reach the Church of St. Thérèse in Menteng by TransJakarta, you can get off at either the MH Thamrin (Sarinah) or Stasiun Gondangdia stop. From both locations, it’s just a short walk to the church, which sits on Jalan Gereja Theresia, right in the heart of Jakarta. Alternatively, if you're traveling by KRL Commuter Line, disembark at Gondangdia Station, and from there, it’s a 10–15 minute walk to the parish. The route is straightforward and pedestrian-friendly, making it a convenient choice for both daily commuters and visitors. Its central location ensures easy access for regular Mass-goers and pilgrims alike. May your visit to this historic parish offer peace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to your faith.
Paroki Menteng
Gereja Santa Theresia
Location Jalan Gereja Theresia No 2, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta, Jakarta
Weekly Mass Schedule
Saturday, 03.30 PM*, 06.00 PM
Sunday, 06.00 AM, 08.00 AM, 10.00 AM, 03.00 PM*, 05.00 PM, 07.00 PM
Note: *Mass in English
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