Cathedral Church of Makassar

MAKASSAR City has a good performance in terms of religious tolerance. Although the majority of the citizens are Moslem, Christian still mushrooming. Cathedral Church is the oldest church in Makassar even in southern Sulawesi and at the same time become the symbol of tolerance.

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History of Makassar Cathedral

When Sultan Hasanuddin be in command in the Sultanate of Gowa, the migration of foreign citizens from Malacca happened after a Portuguese fortress there collapsed. In 1658, Priest Fernendez Navarette arrived in Makassar. He was the first clergyman in the city. Fernandez being regarded as well by the officials and easy to perform his duty.

In June 1669, Gowa Sultan Hasanuddin and his army squeezed by Dutch troops in Somba Opu Fortress. Sultan Hasanuddin forced to accept the surrender option by signing the Bungaya Agreement. The contents of the agreement was stipulates the VOC (Dutch trade unions in east India) monopoly rights.


Because of the agreement, Fernandez experienced difficulties. Netherlands compelled Sultan Hasanuddin to expel foreign besides the Dutchmen. The Catholic is not free to run activities. Then in 1806, religious freedom can be felt in Makassar. At that time, the Netherlands was subjected by Napoleon Bonaparte.

In 1892, Priest A Asselbergs SJ lived in Makassar and rent a house in Heerenweg (now Sultan Hasanuddin Street) to be used as a place of worship. In 1895 he purchased a land in Komedistraat (now Kajaolalido Street). Six years later, Sultan Aidir Qadir, the 32nd Gowa King, allowed the development of the church at the location. That was Cathedral Church of Makassar.

On April 13, 1937, the area of South Sulawesi and Southeast became Apostolic Prefecture of Makassar by the Pope in Rome. Prefecture is to be trusted to the missionaries of Celebes Mission. Priest Mgr Martens became prefect. Than on May 13, 1948 the prefecture became Apostolic Vicariate of Makassar and January 3, 1961 become Archibishopric of Makassar.

In 1943, Makassar was bombarded by Allied Soldiers. Finally, some of the church part damaged. The philanthropist contribute assistance to improve by sending colored glasses windows that provide cathedral typical nuance.

Refference
Suara Pembaruan
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