2 weeks ago
6
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Particularly in Denpasar, the Diocese of Denpasar boasts of Balinese-inspired Catholic churches such as the Holy Spirit Cathedral, also known as Denpasar Cathedral or Katedral Roh Kudus in Indonesian.
Philstar.com / Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
BALI, Indonesia – While Indonesia is majorly a Muslim country with 87% of the population identifying as Muslims, over 3% is Catholic or over 8.3 million.
Bali, however, is unique for having majority of its population (about 87%) practicing Balinese Hinduism. As such, even some Catholic churches in Bali are rich in Balinese influences.
Particularly in Denpasar, the Diocese of Denpasar boasts of Balinese-inspired Catholic churches such as the Holy Spirit Cathedral, also known as Denpasar Cathedral or Katedral Roh Kudus in Indonesian.
According to Catholic media network Radio Veritas, Catholicism arrived in Indonesia in the 14th century through Italian Franciscan missionary Mattiussi, and then in the 16th century through the Portuguese who sought for the Spice Islands, including St. Francis Xavier and other Portuguese missionaries.
In 1854, when the country reopened to missionary work, Catholic missions in Bali began.
In 1950, the Holy Spirit Cathedral began as an apostolic prefecture, and then elevated into a cathedral by Pope John XXIII in 1961.
The current Balinese structure began its construction in 1993, and as completed in 1998. The architecture blends modern design with Hindu Balinese traditional styles in its pagoda-style spires; pointed arches; white and gold statues and beams; angels wearing Balinese headdresses; and Jesus, Mary and saints donning traditional Balinese costumes, reflecting the harmony between local traditions and the Catholic faith.
Main altar
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Main altar
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Main altar
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
From left: The main altar; a Virgin Mary statue; Balinese-style floral arrangement
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Stained glass panels painted in Hindu Balinese style
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Interior featuring Hindu-Balinese style sculptures of angels and saints
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Interior featuring Hindu-Balinese style sculptures of angels and saints
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Interior featuring Hindu-Balinese style sculptures of angels and saints
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Interior featuring Hindu-Balinese style sculptures of angels and saints
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Hindu-Balinese-style sculptures of angels inside the church (left) and at the grotto behind the church
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Stained glass painted in Hindu Balinese style
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Stations of the Cross
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Stained glass panels painted in Hindu Balinese style
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Bas relief details of the mezzanine railings
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Upclose the details of the Stations of the Cross
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
The main altar as seen from the mezzanine
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Side exterior perspective
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Upclose a statue of a saint on the exterior
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Windows combining Roman Catholic church and Hindu Balinese styles
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
The church's entrance
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
Items from the souvenir shop, including statuettes of Our Lady of Bali (right)
Philstar.com/Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo
_2025_04_30_09_27_47.jpg)
