Publication Search

The study examines the symbolic meaning of the “Bread of Life” in John 6 through an exegetical-theological approach, using intertextual and narrative-semiotic perspectives. It uncovers the dynamics of Johannine Christological revelation, which moves from miracle as sign, through theological discourse, and culminates in the sacramental understanding of the Eucharist. The Gospel of John is read as a text that employs symbolism and patterns of misunderstanding to lead readers from a literal reading toward deeper faith in Jesus as the source of true life. In this framework, the “Bread of Life” functions not merely as metaphor but as a revelatory symbol integrating Christological, soteriological, and ecclesiological dimensions. Findings show that this symbol is rooted in Old Testament motifs such as manna, Exodus, and wisdom, reinterpreted Christologically in Jesus. The feeding miracle points beyond physical sustenance to divine revelation, culminating in the statement “I am the Bread of Life.” John 6:51b–58 intensifies this sacramental meaning, forming the basis for Eucharistic theology, where participation in Christ’s body and blood signifies existential communion with God. The study concludes that John integrates Christology and sacramental theology, portraying faith as movement from sign to reality, recognition to participation, and revelation to communion with Christ.

This study examines the Common Dange Mess at the Parish of Santo Antonius Padua Mendalam as a manifestation of the inculturation of Catholic faith with the Dayak Kayan culture. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, the study focuses on the meaning and relationship between the Church altar and the Lasah as symbols of liturgy and culture. The altar remains the sacramental center of the Eucharist, while the Lasah channels prayers, offerings, and local cultural identity, forming a harmonious dialogue without altering theological meaning. Cultural elements such as language, songs, dances, traditional attire, and ritual symbols are purified and aligned with the liturgy, ensuring that all offerings are directed to God. The findings indicate that the Common Dange Mess strengthens the faith of the Dayak Kayan community, preserves cultural identity, and affirms the practice of contextual theology, in which the proclamation of the Gospel is realized contextually, dialogically, and complementarily with local traditions, making this celebration a mature model of inculturation centered on Christ.  

This study aims to describe and analyze the understanding of the faithful and the implementation of Eucharistic liturgical gestures at Saint Christopher Parish, Siborongborong. Liturgical gestures such as the sign of the cross, standing, sitting, kneeling, and striking the chest are essential elements of active participation in the Eucharistic celebration. These gestures are not just physical actions but carry profound spiritual significance. This research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that the faithful’s understanding of the symbolic meaning of these gestures remains limited, which leads to a tendency to perform them mechanically without deep spiritual reflection. This lack of understanding results in a disconnect between the physical actions and their intended spiritual effects. Nevertheless, in practice, the faithful generally follow these gestures in accordance with the liturgical norms of the Church. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for continuous and contextual liturgical formation programs. These programs should aim to deepen the awareness and spiritual engagement of the faithful in the Eucharistic celebration, ensuring that the gestures are not just performed but fully understood and internalized.

This study examines the relationship between Dayak cosmology and Christian spirituality through the inculturation of the Munjong tradition within Catholic Dayak Tobak communities in Dusun Batu Besi, Desa Sejotang, West Kalimantan. As a post-harvest thanksgiving ritual, Munjong embodies a symbolic framework reflecting the interconnectedness of humans, nature, ancestors, and Jebata within the Dayak worldview. The tradition functions not only as a religious expression but also as a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering social cohesion. Within a predominantly Catholic context, Munjong has undergone reinterpretation, aligning with Eucharistic spirituality as the Church’s central expression of gratitude. Using a descriptive-qualitative approach combined with symbolic interaction analysis, this study shows that the religious values embedded in Munjong, including: gratitude, petitions for protection, and veneration of ancestors as spiritual mediators, correspond with Catholic teachings on divine providence, the communion of saints, and the sacredness of creation. The local Church recognizes Munjong as a cultural practice suitable for inculturation, provided it aligns with Christian doctrine, thereby offering opportunities for contextual liturgy and catechesis. The findings suggest that Munjong can serve as a bridge between faith and local culture while simultaneously reinforcing cultural identity and deepening the spiritual life of the community. The result of this study contributes to the discourse on inculturation, contextual pastoral practice, and strategies for sustaining indigenous traditions amid social change.

Studies on Eucharistic Adoration have predominantly emphasized its role as a personal devotional practice and individual spirituality, while its implications for Catholic Religious Education as a space for faith formation remain underexplored. This gap indicates the need for a theological-pedagogical reflection that connects Eucharistic Adoration with the process of faith education, particularly in the context of young people. This study aims to examine Eucharistic Adoration as an expression of Sacramentum Caritatis and its relevance as a formative space within Catholic Religious Education. The research employs a qualitative approach through a library research method, analyzing Church documents, theological works, and relevant academic literature on the Eucharist, faith education, and psycho-spiritual well-being. The findings reveal that Eucharistic Adoration is not merely a liturgical or devotional practice but also holds significant pedagogical value. It can be understood as a contemplative space that enables young people to experience a personal relationship with Christ, reflect on their inner experiences, and deepen their awareness of God’s transformative love. Furthermore, this study indicates that Eucharistic Adoration has the potential to support psycho-spiritual well-being by providing moments of silence, self-acceptance, and meaning-making in the light of faith. These findings highlight that integrating Eucharistic Adoration into Catholic Religious Education can enrich faith learning processes and help young people live their faith in a more personal and holistic manner. This study contributes to theological and educational discourse by positioning Eucharistic Adoration as a relevant practice of faith formation within contemporary Catholic education.

This study aims to examine the lived experience of the Eucharist as an experience of love in the lives of Catholic families at St. Michael Buluq Sen Station, Good Shepherd Parish of Ritan Baru, Archdiocese of Samarinda, through the lens of Henri Nouwen’s spirituality. It employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data gathered through observation, semi-structured interviews with eight active Catholic families, and a review of relevant literature. Data were analyzed through systematic stages of reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, supported by source and method triangulation. The findings show that the experience of the Eucharist is expressed in four interrelated dimensions of Nouwen’s spirituality: being chosen, blessed, broken, and shared. “Being chosen” appears in the family’s awareness of belonging to a community loved by God; “being blessed” is reflected in gratitude for life; “being broken” is revealed in the willingness to embrace suffering and sacrifice; and “being shared” is embodied in active participation in Church ministry and social engagement. This study affirms the Eucharist as a transformative source shaping family relationships and social life, enriching theology and supporting formation in rural families.

This study examines the Ka’Bawakng dance as a cultural–religious expression of the Dayak Kanayatn community that has undergone a deepening of meaning through inculturation within Catholic liturgy. Originating in the Baliatn ritual, Ka’Bawakng dance initially functioned as a medium of healing and cosmological communication that affirmed the interconnectedness of human beings, nature, and Jubata. In its encounter with the Catholic faith, the dance was incorporated into the Eucharistic celebration as an offertory dance through symbolic reinterpretation grounded in the principles of inculturation articulated by the Second Vatican Council. This research employs a hermeneutical approach using participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentary study, analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Ka’Bawakng dance is not treated as a merely decorative liturgical element, but is understood as a language of prayer engaging the body, cultural memory, and the spirituality of the faithful. This integration deepens liturgical participation, strengthens the religious–cultural identity of the Dayak Kanayatn community, and creates a constructive space for dialogue between ancestral traditions and Christian faith. Nevertheless, sustaining the inculturation of Ka’Bawakng dance requires ongoing pastoral accompaniment to ensure fidelity to Church liturgical norms while respecting local cultural values.

Liturgical activities are the center of the Church’s faith life and serve as the primary means of fostering the faith of Catholic communities. However, many parish outstation members still require guidance regarding the order of the Eucharistic Celebration, the roles of liturgical ministers, and the enrichment of liturgical music. This community service activity was carried out at St. Christopher Delawau Outstation, Christ the King Gido Parish, on Sunday, November 9, 2025, by the Dian Mandala Choir group. The purpose of this activity was to introduce the proper order of the Eucharistic Celebration, to socialize Latin Ordinarium songs, and to build a spirit of fraternity in faith. The methods used included the Eucharistic Celebration, liturgical practice, choir training, demonstrations of liturgical duties, and fraternal interaction. The results of the activity indicated improved understanding among the faithful regarding the Eucharistic Celebration, enhanced skills in liturgical ministries (conductor, lector, psalmist, homilist), and the development of emotional closeness as fellow believers. This community service demonstrates that practice-based and dialogical approaches have a positive impact on strengthening the quality of liturgy among outstation communities.

This study examines in depth the meaning of gratitude expressed in the traditional Wu’u Nura ceremony in Daniwato Village, West Solor, as well as in the Eucharistic celebration, which stands as the central liturgy of the Catholic Church. The Wu’u Nura ceremony is a communal tradition of thanksgiving for the harvest, expressed through symbolic rituals, offerings of agricultural produce, collective prayers, and ceremonial practices that reflect a harmonious relationship between humans, nature, ancestors, and God. Through these rituals, the community strengthens social cohesion, cultural identity, and religious awareness that have been passed down across generations. In contrast, gratitude within the Eucharistic celebration is understood as an expression of faith and a theological response to God’s salvific grace manifested through Christ’s sacrifice, made present in the consecration of bread and wine. Using a qualitative method and comparative approach, this study reveals that although differing in expression, structure, and theological foundations, both practices uphold gratitude as a universal value that fosters spiritual relationships and social solidarity. The findings affirm that dialogue between local culture and Church liturgy—within the spirit of inculturation—can enrich the understanding of faith, deepen spiritual life, and support the preservation of meaningful local traditions. This study contributes significantly to cultural and theological scholarship, as well as pastoral efforts aimed at fostering harmony between religion and culture in pluralistic societies.

This article explores the spirituality of the bate symbol within the context of the blessing of Catholic church buildings in Tana Toraja as a concrete form of inculturation of the Christian faith into local culture. Originally, bate functioned as a religious symbol in traditional Toraja ceremonies for inaugurating tongkonan (ancestral houses). Over time, however, this symbol has been adopted and reinterpreted in Catholic liturgical celebrations, particularly during church blessing rituals. The study employs a qualitative method using a literature review and applies Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutical framework, which consists of three stages: the world of the interpreter, the world of the text, and appropriation. The analysis reveals that bate can be understood as a cultural text rich in spiritual meaning. Traditionally, it symbolizes a connection between heaven and earth as well as cosmic power. Within the perspective of Christian inculturation, bate undergoes symbolic reinterpretation, representing values of faith such as the Trinity, the cross, the Eucharist, the Holy Scripture, and Jesus Christ as the mediator of salvation. The incorporation of bate in Catholic liturgy is not merely a cultural adaptation but a tangible manifestation of the encounter between faith and culture, achieved in a contextual and symbolic manner within Torajan society. This study affirms the significance of inculturation in proclaiming the Gospel in a way that is relevant and grounded, without compromising the core essence of Catholic faith. Furthermore, it recommends further research on other local symbols to enrich the dialogue between faith and culture in pastoral contexts.

the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, marking God's intervention in the history of His people and the beginning of a new grain harvest. On the other hand, Easter marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a symbol of victory over sin and death, and the culmination of salvation provided through His sacrifice on the cross. In this context, the Eucharist becomes an important sacrament symbolizing the body and Passover and Easter have deep meanings in their respective religious traditions. Passover (Pesach) celebrates blood of Christ. The bread, as a symbol of His broken body, and the cup, as a symbol of His shed blood, remind Christians of God's infinite sacrifice and love. However, in the early days of Christianity, the practice of the Eucharist was often misunderstood, leading to accusations of cannibalism against Christians. This misunderstanding arose because the terms "body" and "blood" were interpreted literally by outsiders. To counter these accusations, Christian apologists, such as Justin Martyr and Tertullian, attempted to provide a theological explanation for the symbolism, emphasizing that the Eucharist was a spiritual and not a physical act. Thus, both Easter and the Eucharist reflect the profound themes of liberation and hope, as well as the importance of a correct understanding of the symbolism of Christian teaching to avoid harmful misunderstandings. This shows that a proper understanding of religious traditions can strengthen faith and strengthen relationships among believers.

In the celebration of the Eucharist, silence is an important element in liturgical celebrations. Liturgical silence is a means that sends people into the inner world where God is personally experienced. Silence is a time when people listen and absorb God's Word and bear fruit in their daily lives through words, actions and deeds. The author's purpose in making this scientific paper is to urge the people to maintain silence while participating in the Eucharistic Celebration, so that all people can prepare themselves and mind to follow and carry out the Eucharistic Celebration with a calm heart and mind. The method of writing this thesis is a literature review. This scientific work was compiled based on the author's concern about the lack of appreciation of the people in participating in the Eucharistic Celebration. It is undeniable that there are things that disturb the silence during the Eucharistic Celebration, such as the noise in the sacrament when the officers are preparing themselves, and the sound  of mobile phones ringing. Therefore, before the Eucharistic Celebration, it is highly recommended that silence can be created, both in the church and in the area around the church. This paper recalls that silence can be created through prayer. And the most important thing in prayer is not to first seek what we want, but to be aware of the desire and inner movement that is driven by God Himself.

The rapid development of technology in the current era of globalization has had a negative impact on the moral development of teenagers. There needs to be an effort made by the adult community to shape the character of the younger generation so that they can recognize their potential. For this reason, as scholars who play a role in the world of education, by looking at the development of the character of the young generation in the current era of globalization, we, the service team, are encouraged to also make our contribution through socialization and training to children, especially ST Station children. Yosep Suka Maju, Tanjung Selamat Parish, Medan, with the activity theme "Building Catholic Family Character (To Community Community) Stasi St. Yosep Likes to Move Forward, Tanjung Selamat Parish, Medan." Apart from the presentation of Leadership and Free Association material, discussions and training were also provided using the Community Education method. We really hope that every material provided can provide good education for children in particular and also students who are involved in service activities.

This service to the Pringgolayan Catholic community aims to renew their understanding of the liturgy (especially the eucharist). The main focus of the reform is the liturgical system according to the General Guidelines for the Roman Missal. Through observations that took place from January 2024 to June 2024, the population identified a gap between the knowledge, understanding and liturgical practices of Pringgolayan Catholics. Some people do not even understand the liturgical movements they perform while participating in the liturgical celebration. This service is carried out by combining dialogic lectures, questions and answers, and observations of the course of the event. The results of this activity consist of liturgical catechesis content on TikTok Komsos Pringgolayan and increasing people's understanding of the liturgy. This increase can be seen in the quality of question and answer discussions and the number of uses of technical liturgical terms in subsequent liturgical celebrations. The commitment and consistent presence of the participants is one of the challenges for this activity considering that it takes place every Sunday at 9.00 - 10.30 WIB, from August 2024 - November 2024. On the next occasion, this activity can be carried out again with a time setting that takes up less time

The type of research used is qualitative research using a descriptive qualitative approach. The method used is the ethnographic research method. This data was collected by the author through a team of data collectors, all of whom came from each tribe in Malacca Regency. Not all tribes in Malacca Regency are interviewed, but in terms of sabate saladi customs, hamis batar ceremonies or rituals in the Fehan plains there are similarities. The results of the interview show that the adaptation of Catholicism to the local wisdom of Hamis Batar in Malacca Regency is a tradition of celebrating the corn harvest which has been passed down from generation to generation from ancestral times to the present, especially the first harvest at the beginning of the year/called batar tinan. There is an adaptation of Catholicism to the local wisdom of Hamis Batar in Malacca Regency, namely that the teachings of the Catholic Church are not conflicted with human traditions because the church was also born from human cultural traditions. There are similarities in the meaning of hamis batar with the Eucharistic prayer in the Eucharist celebration. The Hamis Batar ceremony is an expression of gratitude from the people for the results given by God.

The type of research used is qualitative research using a descriptive qualitative approach. The method used is the ethnographic research method. This data was collected by the author through a team of data collectors, all of whom came from each tribe in Malacca Regency. Not all tribes in Malacca Regency are interviewed, but in terms of sabate saladi customs, hamis batar ceremonies or rituals in the Fehan plains there are similarities. The results of the interview show that the adaptation of Catholicism to the local wisdom of Hamis Batar in Malacca Regency is a tradition of celebrating the corn harvest which has been passed down from generation to generation from ancestral times to the present, especially the first harvest at the beginning of the year/called batar tinan. There is an adaptation of Catholicism to the local wisdom of Hamis Batar in Malacca Regency, namely that the teachings of the Catholic Church are not conflicted with human traditions because the church was also born from human cultural traditions. There are similarities in the meaning of hamis batar with the Eucharistic prayer in the Eucharist celebration. The Hamis Batar ceremony is an expression of gratitude from the people for the results given by God.

Human being having a conscience and freedom to determine what is good and performing actions according to God's will. In today's era, phenomena show that human being sometimes ignores the Divine law and do not listen to their conscience. These acts of infidelity  drive a human being to fall into sin and live contradict according to God's will. However, God through the Holy Church always gives the human being the opportunity to revert to God. The Church provides the special opportunity to repent, explicitly through the Sacrament of Reconciliation . It was emphasized by St. John XXIII in the Encyclical Paenitentiam Agere. The method used is a literature study, especially studying the Encyclical Paenitentiam Agere. The results of the study show that the spirit of repentance as proclaimed in the Encyclical Paenitentiam Agere says that only through repentance the Christians will nurture in the perfection of life. The repentance according to St. John XXIII is a repentance of the body and soul. The conclusion of this study confirms that inner repentance is a repentance carried out by Christians through a good confession of sins and taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice and receiving holy communion. Inner repentance is realized in everyday life through daily actions called external repentance. By doing external and internal repentance, the Christians will obtain true happiness and salvation from God.

The Eucharist has a deep meaning; understanding this will help Catholics to live it more deeply. One of the meanings of the Eucharist can be explored by knowing that the Eucharist has its roots in the Jewish Passover tradition. This article aims to discuss the historical and theological relationship between the Jewish Passover tradition and the Eucharist in the Catholic Church. The method used is a literature study. The article explains that the Eucharist has its roots in three main concepts of the Jewish tradition: heavenly manna, the bread of the Divine presence, and communion. These meanings can contribute to increasing the awareness and faith of the people in celebrating the Eucharist.

According to a survey in the United States conducted in 2019, only one-third of Catholics in the US agree with the Catholic Church that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. Two-thirds do not believe in the Real Presence. They argue that the Eucharist is just a symbol, not really the Body and Blood of Christ, not Jesus Christ. This article seeks to answer doubts that the Eucharistic form (consecrated bread and wine) is the Body and Blood of Christ by reflecting on the meaning of the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). This article is important to overcome the crisis of faith that is weakening the Catholic Church. The method used in this article is a literature study.

The study examines the theological meaning of the symbols of water, wine, and blood in the Gospel of John and their interrelation within the perspective of Catholic theology. Grounded in John’s distinctive use of symbolism as a medium of revelation, the study treats these three symbols not as isolated narrative elements but as an integrated theological sequence. The study employs a qualitative method, utilizing a literature-based approach and biblical-theological exegesis of key texts. The findings indicate that water signifies the renewal of life originating from divine grace and is closely associated with Baptism; wine expresses joy and abundance within the new covenant, finding its resonance in the Eucharist; while blood marks the culmination of divine love manifested in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. Together, these symbols form a progressive dynamic of revelation: from renewal, to communion, and ultimately to redemption. In the light of sacramental theology, these symbols not only reveal the identity of Jesus as the incarnate Word but also mediate a concrete experience of faith within the life of the Church. Thus, the Gospel of John demonstrates that God’s salvific work unfolds in an integral and continuous manner, remaining relevant for the contemporary practice of Christian faith.