Timika (Agenzia Fides) – As part of a week of prayer and celebration, the Diocese of Timika welcomed the arrival of the new Bishop, Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, who took possession of his diocese with a solemn Mass in the cathedral, after the bishopric had been vacant for five years (since the death of Bishop John Philip Saklil). An important moment for the local Church: Bishop Baru is the second indigenous priest to receive episcopal ordination, after the Bishop of the Diocese of Jayapura, Yanuarius Natopai Tu, who was ordained in February 2023. He is also the first Augustinian to be appointed bishop in Indonesia.
The ordination, accompanied by traditional songs and dances, took place last Wednesday, May 14, with the laying on of hands by the Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia, Archbishop Piero Pioppo, in the Cathedral Church of the Three Kings in Timika.
A total of 33 bishops and approximately 10,000 Catholics participated in the ordination service. Local authorities, including the Governor of Southwest Papua, Elisa Kambu, were also present. "This ordination is a sign of the Holy See's great concern for the Catholic faithful in Papua," said the Apostolic Nuncio, later reaffirming the local Church's commitment to promoting peace in the region. In his first message as bishop, Baru thanked the faithful and announced what would be the cornerstones of his episcopal ministry: listening, dialogue, and cooperation. "We can continue what the first Bishop of Timika, John Philip Saklil, has already begun. Our relations must be based on love, friendship, and human exchange. We are called to open doors for one another," he added, urging the faithful to cooperate with local traditions and authorities to build peace in the region.
The day after his episcopal ordination, Bishop Baru celebrated his first pontifical Mass in the Cathedral of the Three Kings in Timika. During the celebration, the priests, diocesan priests, and religious ministers serving in this land renewed their priestly vows. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 19/5/2025)