On Saturday, December 13, Father James Bharataputra, SJ, received the New Gamaliel award for his efforts in serving the people in Indonesia, especially by building the Maria Annai Velangkanni Prayer Garden in Medan.
As is widely known, this prayer garden illustrates the presence of all religions in Indonesia, helping and assisting each other. This prayer garden is a symbol of tolerance. Father James said that the purpose of building this prayer garden was to attract pilgrims from all walks of life. He does two things, namely helping pilgrims to meet God and reminding all pilgrims that they are children of one God, whatever their religious beliefs. This teaches an attitude of mutual respect and love as brothers and sisters because all humans are children of the same Father in Heaven. Father James wanted to realize the prayer of a psalmist, “How beautiful it is to live as brothers and sisters in the house of God on earth!”
The Asian Centre for Cross-Cultural Studies awarded Father James Bharataputra, SJ, as the “Today’s Gamaliel of Tamil Nadu.” The award ceremony was held at Vailankanni Basilica, India. Father James was surprised by the extraordinary appreciation from the Bishop of Tanjavur and Cardinal Bo of Myanmar.
What exactly is the meaning of this award? Gamaliel was a highly respected teacher or rabbi for his profound Torah knowledge and wisdom. His wisdom is evident in his advice to the Sanhedrin, where he advised not to punish the apostles because if their work came from God, it could not be hindered. Because of his knowledge, wisdom, influence, and essential role in education, Gamaliel is considered one of the leading and respected teachers in Jewish and Christian history. The committee of the Asian Center for Cross-Cultural Studies saw that what Father James did was the work of God. He held a catechesis of faith through visual images in the Maria Velangkani Prayer Park in Medan so that everyone, especially the people in Medan, could see God more concretely and visually.
Father James added that the construction of the prayer garden began with his dream to invite everyone to meet God. “I believe God tells me the details through my dreams. Sometimes, I wake up from my dreams and write down some of the details of my dreams so that I don’t forget. I don’t know how to describe this extraordinary spiritual experience. It’s like God is dictating His plan for the Prayer Garden in detail as I continue to build it.”
For him, the entire architectural design resulted from his dream when contemplating the mystery of the Incarnation in the Second Week of the Spiritual Exercises. All are artistically represented through paintings and sculptures in the Indo-Saracenic style. This prayer garden combines the basic human needs depicted in the lower room. The prayer and worship space is on the middle floor. The section on divine mysteries or heaven is located above. Seven levels depict the seven levels of heaven or the seven sacraments. Father James Bharataputra has contributed to Medan’s religious-cultural diversity and tourism because this Holy Place attracts pilgrims from all religions. His life has been a blessing to many people.
Let us rejoice in the inspiration of Father James’ extraordinary dreams that have been appreciated by many people, especially Catholics in Tamil Nadu, India. Father Sindhunata also gave his appreciation in his autobiography. He wrote: “The grandeur and beauty of this holy place is a manifestation of the inculturation process between his homeland, Tamil Nadu, and the land of Sumatra. This holy place has become a meeting place for heaven and earth – where the divine and the human embrace each other – where God wants to meet His people, regardless of race, belief, and language.”
This extraordinary moment is a sign for Father James to return to his homeland. He is now ready to leave the Maria Velangkanni Prayer Garden, which develops the people’s faith in Indonesia, and is also ready to end his missionary period in Indonesia. He has been a missionary in Indonesia for 50 years and has made many contributions to people from various religions in Indonesia. Now, this prayer garden is managed by RD Gundo Franci Saragih. Hopefully, Father James’ dream of building the people’s faith in the land of Medan will continue to be preserved with RD Gundo.
Thank you, and congratulations, Father James, for this incredible work of God in Indonesia. Welcome back to the fresh air of Tamil Nadu.
Contributor: P Ignatius Windar Santoso, S.J.
