Jakarta, Dec. 25 -- Over 3,000 Catholics gathered at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, widely known as Jakarta Cathedral, on Thursday morning to attend the Christmas Pontifical Mass led by Archbishop Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo.

"For the Pontifical Mass, we project attendance of around 3,000 to 3,500 people," said Susyana Suwadie, the cathedral's public relations representative.

She explained the cathedral implemented a special registration system to regulate congregants. The Pontifical Mass began at 8:30 a.m. local time.

Following the Pontifical Mass, the cathedral held a family mass at 11:00 a.m., presided over by Fr. Yohanes Deodatus. The homily was delivered in child-friendly language to help young attendees better understand...