CONCERT CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF SAINT JOHN PAUL II - pdf

After 28 years the visit of St John Paul II to Indonesia remains a lasting memory

The visit of Pope John Paul II to Indonesia, 28 years ago, seems to remain a lasting memory. The sound of his voice in welcoming thousands of faithful people in the airport of Adisucipto, Yogyakarta, will be a perennial moment for the Indonesian Church. The Polish Pope also delivered his speech in Indonesian. “May our Lord Jesus Christ abundantly bless you all.”

This lasting memory was re-created in the musical performance “Peace and Love Concert in Celebration of the Life of Saint John Paul II”. The concert was organized by John Paul II Foundation Indonesia Chapter and took place at Ciputra Artpreneur, Jakarta Selatan 3/12.

Initiating the 13 compositions Teresa Krasowska started with “Jesus Bleibet Meine Freude” by Johann Sebastian Bach. The Polish conductor guided Nusantara Symphony Orchestra in performing the work of this German composer. With the background of images of John Paul II, who was praying, this composition led to a silent atmosphere.

In this concert, Teresa was accompanied by Szymon Kobylinski, bass, and Ewa Biegas, soprano, who both are Polish nationals as well. In performing “Ave Maria” by Gaetano Donizetti, both demonstrated that it was Mary who all the time was the patroness of St John Paul II in his every step.

In the beginning of the concert, Mgr Piero Pioppo expressed that personally he had worked to serve the Vatican for seven years during the time of Pope John Paul II. Mgr Pioppo felt exalted for being able to attend this concert. He was convinced that in the midst of the sound of melody and music, St John Paul II was present. St John Paul II lovingly looked at us, strengthened and blessed us. “I am happy to be here in the concert in celebration of the life of St John Paul II whom we all love,” said the apostolic nuncio to Indonesia.

John Paul II Foundation in Indonesia is part of John Paul II Foundation which is based in Vatican, Italy. Father Krzysztof Wieliczko expressed that St John Paul II was also a great artist and writer of various literatures, including poems. St John Paul II has shown the way to God to every creature on earth. “This man was filled with peace, exerted a great influence to other people. With his wisdom and kindness, he influenced people to remove hatred and anger and to continue to live in peace,” said the Executive Director of John Paul II Foundation in Vatican, Italy.

Lucia Liando, President of John Paul II Foundation Indonesia Chapter, said that this concert was meant to remember the love of St John Paul II for music. She added that St John Paul II grew up along with arts around him. Pope John Paul II believed that everyone can live together in harmony. “Today, let us celebrate his life and spread out his message to everyone around us.”

This concert was a performance of culture of love that includes a capacity of arts to proclaim the message of peace. This was said by Mgr Petrus Turang in his speech. The archbishop of Kupang also expressed that this concert was inspired by the thinking’s of St John Paul II who was very concerned about the discipleship in Jesus Christ. Besides Mgr Turang also present was Mgr Agustinus Agus, the archbishop of Pontianak.

(Antonius E. Sugiyanto)