Ordained as Archbishop of Kupang, Hironimus Pakaenoni is expected to maintain unity

After being officially ordained as Archbishop of Kupang, Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni is expected to be able to maintain the unity of the people.

KORNELIS KEWA AMA

The atmosphere of the consecration mass of the Archbishop of Kupang, Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni, at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang city, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (9/5/2024).

KUPANG, KOMPAS — Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni was officially ordained Archbishop of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, replacing Bishop Emeritus Mgr Petrus Turang who has served for 27 years. Bishop Hironimus Pakaenoni is expected to be able to maintain unity and integrity, guide the people, and build cooperation with regional governments.

Vatican Ambassador Mgr Piero Pioppo, representing Pope Francis as the highest leader of the Roman Catholic Church, led the consecration directly at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Kupang. >, Kupang City, Thursday (9/5/2024). The ceremony coincided with the commemoration of the Ascension of Jesus Christ.

In the event, Mgr Pierro Pioppo placed the papal partner on the head, provided an anointment with holy oil, and handed over the leadership staff and bishop's ring to Pakaenoni.

The handover of the symbols of leadership of the diocesan throne was witnessed by around 15,000 Catholics, 41 bishops throughout Indonesia and Timor Leste, priests, nuns, a number of officials and guests.

KORNELIS KEWA AMA

Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni lay down in front of the altar during his consecration as the Archbishop of Kupang at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday, May 9th, 2024.

Before receiving the symbols of leadership, Pakaenoni was prayed for by the congregation, bishops, priests, and monks and nuns who were present. In the procession, Pakaenoni lay down on the floor as a symbol of loyalty, piety, sacrifice, and selfless service. The attending bishops then reached out their hands towards him to give their blessings.

After donning the bishop's vestments and being anointed with holy oil by Mgr Piero Pioppo, Pakaenoni officially became the Archbishop of Kupang. He then gave blessings to the bishops, priests, monks, nuns, and the faithful.

Accompanied by Emeritus Bishop Petrus Turang and Bishop of Atambua Mgr Dominikus Saku Pr, Pakaenoni walks through every aisle of the church and outdoor areas to give blessings to all congregation members.

Also read: The Holy See Appoints RD Hironimus Pakaenoni Pr as Bishop of the Archdiocese of Kupang

In his sermon, Emeritus Bishop Petrus Turang stated that a leader does not work alone. He believed that God always accompanies Pakaenoni in carrying out his duties. Turang also mentioned that a leader must continue to struggle for truth and justice even in the face of challenges.

"Above all, maintaining the unity of the community amidst the constantly evolving times in various fields is paramount. The current progress of technology and information is pushing leaders to continuously work in spirit and truth alongside God," said Turang.

KORNELIS KEWA AMA

The Vatican's Ambassador to Indonesia, Mgr Piero Pioppo, ordained Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni as the Archbishop of Kupang at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (9/5/2024).

Turang also reminds that a bishop must serve as an example among the community. A bishop is also tasked with maintaining unity with various parties, including the cross-religious community. The fraternity and unity should continue to be built in every opportunity.

“Just as Christ ascended to heaven today, bishops are also ordained today to lead the faithful. Bishops, as the highest leader of the church in a region, always become the salt and light for the world,” he said.

Also read: Archbishop of Kupang Reminds Concern for Others

Turang added that a leader should be more humble and have the spirit of forgiveness, listening, serving, and sacrificing. The attitude of sacrifice should be shown more in the midst of most people who still live with poor economic conditions.

Meanwhile, Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni stated that the position of bishop is a gift from God. However, he also admitted to wondering why he was chosen to carry out this task. Nevertheless, as a servant of God, Pakaenoni eventually accepted the task and the responsibility.

KORNELIS KEWA AMA

Archbishop of Kupang Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni gave blessings to the congregation at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang City, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday, May 9, 2024.

Pakaenoni chooses the episcopal motto "Pasce Oves Meas" or "Feed My Sheep". He also declares that, with God's help, he is ready to fulfill his duties as a bishop.

"Seeking success and pleasure is the greatest temptation in this world, just as the temptation experienced by Jesus while fasting. Being a shepherd is not a competition, but rather a calling to be a shepherd, a leader, and a role model in life," said Pakaenoni.

Also read: Caring for the Unusual Relations between Indonesia and the Vatican

The Chairman of the Presidium of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Mgr Antonius Subianto Bunyamin said that with this ordination, Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni becomes the 159th bishop in Indonesia. He reminded that the duty of a bishop is to shepherd the faithful, but the faithful do not belong to the bishop, but to God.

“So you have to be careful. Don't do whatever you want. Don't be authoritarian in leading. "Later, God will take care of it," said Bunyamin, greeted by laughter from the people.

Bunyamin also invited Pakaenoni to join KWI and participate in KWI meetings in Jakarta. Pakaenoni is also expected to contribute ideas for the future development of the church. "Hopefully, the people of the Archdiocese of Kupang will continue to thrive," he said.

KORNELIS KEWA AMA

Archbishop of Kupang Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni delivered a message at the Christ the King Cathedral in Kupang city, East Nusa Tenggara, on Thursday (9/5/2024).

Acting Governor of NTT Ayodhia Kalake said that NTT is often called the Most Beautiful Island of Tolerance. This is because community harmony in this area is well maintained. Cooperation between religious communities in various fields is running smoothly.

Ayodhia hopes that in the future, the collaboration between the Archdiocese of Kupang and the government of NTT Province can become more solid. Both parties are expected to work together to create the welfare of the people in the spiritual as well as the economic aspects.

Most importantly, maintaining the unity and unity of the people in the midst of an era that continues to progress in various fields.

The Kupang Archdiocese serves around 295,000 Catholic faithful who are scattered throughout the cities of Kupang, as well as the districts of Kupang, Alor, North Central Timor, South Central Timor, Malaka, Belu, Alor, Rote, and Sabu Raijua.

"Thank you to Emeritus Bishop Petrus Turang who has built cooperation with the local government for almost 27 years in NTT. Welcome to the new Bishop, Mgr Hironimus Pakaenoni, may you serve the beloved NTT with dedication," said Ayodhia.