@katoliknews_id: This is NOT the Netherlands, NOT Portugal, and NOT Alaska—even though the names sound similar. This is Sikka, Maumere! 🏝️Welcome to the oldest church in Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur. Standing tall for over 125 years, its original teak wood structure has never been replaced. It is the only Catholic church in the world whose interior walls are completely hand-painted with the sacred motifs of local Sikka ikat weaving, known as Lipa Prenggi. ⛪️🎨I rode my motorcycle at 5:00 AM through the freezing dawn from Maumere just to attend Holy Mass here. Braving the cold morning air was absolutely worth it to meet Jesus in a sanctuary this breathtaking. 🙏🌅Designed by Father Antonius Dijkmans (the architect of Jakarta Cathedral), the walls hide a profound theological secret. The altar features royal patterns to honor God as the King of the Universe, while the pews display everyday motifs, showing that God embraces us exactly as we are. 🤎Built entirely without metal nails using traditional wooden pegs, its flexible engineering is legendary. When a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami devastated Maumere in 1992, thousands of concrete buildings were leveled. Yet, this wooden church on the southern coast stood completely unshaken—not a single roof tile fell! 🪵🌊If you ever visit Flores, wake up at dawn and experience the magic of the Old Sikka Church for yourself. ✨ #catholic #travel #pilgrims #maumere #flores

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