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Welcome to Java! The mysterious island of the archipelago, located six degrees latitude south of the equator. And we are now on the first day of our track following the nine days of Lourdes of Java pilgrimage within the spirit of Novenas. Arriving in Jakarta, we are met by our guide at Soekarno-Hatta Airport and direct drive through the hectic of Jakarta, all along the greeneries to the hilly tourist resort area of Punchak, and land at the valley of Carmelites, a wonderful cool place. Check into Pondok Remaja, Lembah karmel, Cipanas, a retreat resort led by a hermit priest from the Order of the Carmelites (OCarm), who is also known as a catholic charismatic figure in Indonesia with lots of heavenly gifts. The sacred atmosphere of this tranquil valley for preparing your heart and mind to be able to cover a pilgrimage to the nine selected famous Grottos of Mother Mary in the island of Java. (D).

On the way to the first Grotto of our pilgrimage, THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SAWER RAHMAT on the slope of Mount Ciremai, we drive to the town of Kuningan (five kilometers from the Grotto), passing the picturesque Sundanese villages and small towns. After a long drive we put you in Grage Sangkan Hotel Spa with flowing warm water from neighboring volcano right to your bathroom. Free and easy with optional activities: natural hot water therapy like back jet, jet stream, geyser, waterfall, body blitz therapy, massage, sauna and others. (B.L.D)

Our day begins with a visit to THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SAWER RAHMAT, Gua Maria Sawer Rahmat, Kuningan, which occupied a green hill at the foot of Mount Cerme with the altitude of 700 meters above sea level. Totombok is the hill's name, a Sundanese word means suffering losses. But after they built the Grotto, the farmers gain profit well; feel happy and thankful to Our Lady for fertile land and peaceful life. Later this afternoon, we continue our driving to the second Grotto that is THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF KALIORI, Gua Maria Kaliori, Purwokerto. From this site, which was once a barren hill turned magically becoming green sanctuary, is a really stunning nice view to the surrounding low land. The historical moments came on October 10, 1989 when Holy Father Pope John II was in Indonesia blessed the statue of Virgin Mary. Your accommodation for to night is Rumah Retret Kaliori, owned and operated by OMI (Oblate Maria Immaculate) Congregation. (B.L.D)

After a pleasant drive through the lush, green heart of Central Java we reach the town of Ambarawa. The third in a row of Grottos of our pilgrimage is THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF KEREP, Gua Maria Kerep Ambarawa, where according to many there have once been a time when some people restored their health after intense prayers at the shrine. We convince that placing our anguish in the heart of The Blessed Virgin Mary will gain strength and courage. Something unique from this Grotto is the so-called "mini rosary", which is believed that the rosary possesses the power to fulfill one of our three inquiries. Then we travel southward where we will visit Borobudur, the Buddhist Temple from 8th century. Proceed to the city of Jogjakarta, considered to be the main center of Javanese culture; and we will stay at Natour Garuda Hotel or similar for three nights. (B.L.D)

From the former capital of Jogjakarta Sultanate, we drive inland to visit the fourth Grotto, THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SENDANGSONO, Gua Maria Lourdes Sendangsono, Muntilan, and the oldest Grotto in Indonesia. At first, the water spring next to the Grotto, located between two big red sanders-wood trees, was really eerie and haunted. After the shrine was blessed as the first Indonesia's Lourdes Grotto, millions of pilgrims have visited the place. The consecration of the Grotto was done on December 8, 1927 and the audience of the ceremony did not expect the visions of the Holy Lady, but only hoping that Mother Mary will protects local people and the pilgrims. The Grotto is so important in our history related to the spreading of the Roman Catholic Faith in Java Island, is in fact the first Javanese group were ever converted and baptized in this place by Father Van Lith SJ. And now is time to relax and in the evening you will dine and enjoy the performance of magnificent Ramayana Ballet in the open / indoor theater of Prambanan Hindu Temple. (B.L.D)

There is a number of Lourdes of Java, and this GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF TRITIS, Gua Maria Tritis, Wonosari is the only one natural cave where the statue of The Virgin Mary resided. This fifth Grotto is the limestone cave with stalactites and stalagmites isolated from the villages, situated close to the southern coast of Java and the Indian Ocean, and are well preserved and still natural. Tritis is a Javanese word for water-drips from the stalactites. They collect the water to be used as medicine. When a priest from nearby village wanted to celebrate Christmas Mass on December 25, 1975, he asked the children to create a makeshift grotto. Later one of the boys told the priest that he knew a beautiful natural cave within walking distance from his house. That was the beginning of the establishment of the Grotto. Another program for today is to visit THE TEMPLE CHURCH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS OF GANJURAN, Gereja Candi Hati Kudus Tuhan Jesus di Ganjuran, Bantul, founded by the Schmutzers on April 16, 1924. The temple church adopted the Hindu-Javanese style together along with its unique way of performing religious service. The statue of The Sacred Heart and Christ the King was enthroned inside the temple, symbolizing God's justice and peace on this land. (B.L.D)

After breakfast we leave Jogjakarta and not very far from The Temple of Prambanan we turn right driving through hamlets and rice fields. We walk following the way of the cross up hill to the sixth Grotto. THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SENDANG SRININGSIH, Gua Maria Sendang Sriningsih, Klaten, was consecrated on mid-1936, and before that period it was a retreat for the Javanese hermits. Then, leave Klaten and heading for the town of Wonogiri and then passing manmade lake of Gajahmungkur, we are approaching the seventh Grotto, THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SENDANG RATU KENYA, Gua Maria Sendang Ratu Kenya. This weird big recess of water spring called by the locals as "Sendang Growong". Surprisingly after Novena pray finalized the 9th day under the guidance of local priest, the people succeeded to push away the evil spirits and make this place tranquil and peace. That happened on May 1st, 1959 and turned the recess to become the Grotto. Return drive to Solo and check into Quality Hotel or similar. (B.L.D)

Very early morning drive to Ponorogo and then heading to the village of Klepu, we are passing scenic landscape of plantation of eucalyptus, teakwood and pine tree. Our destination is the eighth Grotto, THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF SENDANG WALUYOJATININGSIH, Gua Maria Sendang Waluyojatiningsih at the slope of Wilis Volcano. It was all started in 1969, while the villagers sat surrounding a water spring, sendang, to meditate together. The approaching of "a strange guest" startled them. He was an old man wearing white robe and observed the people with smile. Although the man was not human, but the people not the least feeling scared, and instead they felt peace and happy; coming to pray in this water spring become a serious addict. We leave the site this beautiful pilgrimage and then continue driving to the city of Kediri. Overnight will be in Adisurya Hotel or similar. (B.L.D)

Our focus today is the ninth Grotto, THE GROTTO OF OUR LADY OF PUHSARANG, Gua Maria Lourdes Puhsarang, (about 10 kilometers from the city of Kediri, and occupied southwest of Mount Klotok). The first establishment of the complex is the "Antique Church", Gereja Puhsarang. The church was built in 1936 by Henricus Maclaine Pont assisted by priest Majapahit Hindu Kingdom era in combination with other local cultures and Christianity. H.Wolters and local people. The structure of the church has unique architectural style form And we can see unique full-scale sculptures of Lord Jesus and the people on the way of cross. Our memorable pilgrimage tour ends this afternoon after we arrive in Surabaya. Or you may wish to extend your holiday in Bali or other destinations. (B.L)