Victorius Dwiardy Ordained as Bishop of Banjarmasin

Father Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap was ordained as Bishop of the Banjarmasin Diocese to replace Monsignor Petrus Boddeng Timang who has entered retirement.

The following article was translated using both Microsoft Azure Open AI and Google Translation AI. The original article can be found in Victorius Dwiardy Ditahbiskan sebagai Uskup Banjarmasin

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Vatican Ambassador to Indonesia, Monsignor Piero Pioppo, laid his hands on the head of Monsignor Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap during the consecration ceremony of the Bishop of Banjarmasin at Grand Palace Ballroom, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan on Saturday (11/4/2023). Please note that the forbidden words in the original text were not translated.

BANJARMASIN, KOMPAS - Vatican Ambassador for Indonesia Monsinyur Piero Pioppo has ordained Pastor Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap as the Bishop of Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Pastor Victorius, a member of the Capuchin Order, was chosen and appointed by Pope Francis to replace Monsinyur Petrus Boddeng Timang who has retired.

The consecration celebration of the Bishop of Banjarmasin Diocese was held at the Grand Palace Ballroom in Banjarmasin on Saturday (4/11/2023). Monsignor Piero Pioppo acted as the main consecrator, while Monsignor Agustinus Agus and Monsignor Petrus Boddeng Timang acted as assisting consecrators.

A total of 38 bishops across Indonesia and over 100 pastors from various regions in Indonesia attended the grand celebration. Not less than 1,000 people directly participated in the consecration of the Bishop, which was also broadcasted online.

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Bishop Samuel Oton Sidin OFMCap of the Diocese of Sintang delivered a sermon in which he expressed that the Diocese of Banjarmasin, led by Bishop Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap, is like a field of grass in a promised land. The pasture may not always be green and soothing to the eyes.

"The grazing field in Padang is certainly not a flat land that is easily explored, because there are times where the shepherd must climb steep cliffs to search for the lost sheep," he said.

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Choir in the consecration celebration of the Bishop of Banjarmasin Diocese at Grand Palace Ballroom, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Saturday (11/4/2023).

According to Samuel, the sheep herding of Bishop Victorius is spread across various parishes and regions, each with their own characteristics. Some are in the Meratus Mountains with their own challenges, while others are scattered among other flocks that do not always understand and accept the presence of the Church with open arms.

"Regardless of the condition and situation of the grazing land, the Bishop is expected to truly understand his flock and their real situation and condition. Just as Jesus knows every sheep in his flock, so too is the Bishop expected to know his congregation," said Samuel.

I receive this award not because of my service, kindness, let alone my greatness, but solely because of the love of God who wants to use me and qualify me to be His instrument and servant.

Victorius admits that the responsibility and dignity of a Bishop are not small, simple, or easy, as a Bishop is chosen and appointed to lead, sanctify, and teach God's people according to the example of the Great Shepherd, Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the noble and sublime meaning of the dignity and position of a Bishop, he also realizes and acknowledges his shortcomings, weaknesses, and imperfections within himself. He believes that the duty and position of a Bishop is solely a gift, which demonstrates the immense love and generosity of God for His humble and simple servants.

"I accept this award not because of my service, kindness, or even my own greatness, but solely because of God's love that chooses and qualifies me to be His instrument and servant to bring good news and build His kingdom in this world for the salvation of His people and for the glory of His name," said Victorius.

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Monsignor Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap gave his first blessing to the people during the consecration celebration of the Bishop of Banjarmasin at Grand Palace Ballroom, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Saturday (11/4/2023).

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Victorius declares that the duty entrusted to him as Bishop will be carried out with humility, joy, in a spirit of obedience, respect, and complete unity with the Holy See of Vatican and the holy Catholic Church. Therefore, he asks for assistance and prayer from everyone.

"Please support and pray for me so that by the power and light of the Divine, I am enabled to make the light of faith, hope, and love that Jesus Christ taught and brought, to shine brighter, live more vibrantly, be more beneficial, and feel more enjoyable for all people who seek and love God," he said.

Victorius hails from Sebalos, Sango Village, Sanggau Ledo District, Bengkayang Regency, West Kalimantan. He was ordained as a priest on October 10, 1998, and was later chosen as the Bishop of the Banjarmasin Diocese on July 8, 2023. He served for a considerable amount of time as the General Counselor of the Pacific-Asia Capuchin Conference (PACC) at the Kuria General in Rome, Italy (2013-2023).

KOMPAS/JUMARTO YULIANUS

Dance performance was presented in the celebration of the ordination of Monsignor Victorius Dwiardy OFMCap as Bishop of Banjarmasin Diocese, held at Grand Palace Ballroom in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Saturday (4/11/2023).

Petrus Boddeng Timang expressed his delight when Pope Francis appointed Victorius to replace him. This is because Victorius is a young and determined son of Kalimantan.

"My greatest hope is that the presence of the Catholic Church in Borneo will become a blessing for everyone, especially for those living in the Meratus Mountains area," said the Bishop who has led the Diocese of Banjarmasin for 15 years.

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Governor of South Kalimantan Sahbirin Noor, in a written statement delivered by the Expert Staff for Governance, Law, and Politics at the South Kalimantan Provincial Government, Sulkan, congratulates the ordination of Victorius Dwiardy as the Bishop of the Banjarmasin Diocese.

"I stress the importance of cooperation between the Church and the government in advancing society, such as in social services, education, healthcare, and justice. Therefore, I hope that Bishop Victorius can continue to work with the government in efforts to make South Kalimantan a better place for all citizens," he said.