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Jayapura gets its first native Papuan bishop
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Monsignor Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You (center) is spotted shortly before he is ordained as the new bishop of the Jayapura Diocese on Thursday in Jayapura, Papua. (Antara/Gusti Tanati)
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or the first time since Catholicism took root in Papua over a century ago, the Jayapura Diocese will be headed by a native Papuan, monsignor Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You. His appointment brings hope that a native Papuan in a position of leadership in the Catholic church can help ease tensions in the region.
Yanuarius, 62, was ordained as Jayapura bishop by papal nuncio to Indonesia, monsignor Piero Pioppo, at the Jayapura Cathedral on Thursday.
Attending the event was the Religious Ministry’s acting Director General for Catholic Community Guidance A.M. Adiyarto Sumardjono. He welcomed Yanuarius' inauguration, describing it as a peaceful transfer of leadership in the Catholic church that reflected the spirit of solidarity, harmony and tolerance among Catholics in Indonesia.
Relaying the messages from minister Yahya Cholil Qoumas, Adiyarto said he hoped Yanuarius would bring positive changes to Papuan Catholics by offering better understanding of people's aspirations, providing solutions and the best service in order to nurture love for the country and to increase participation in building the nation.
He said Catholics in Indonesia should be “strong in their religious faith as well as love for their nation”, adding that “100-percent Catholic also means being 100-percent Indonesian”.
“The [new] bishop should play a quick and responsive role in responding to a myriad of issues, preventing chaos and bringing unity,” Adiyarto said in a statement on Friday.
Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) chairman Gomar Gultom congratulated the inauguration of Yanuarius, saying that he hoped that the appointment of a native Papuan as bishop could uplift the spirits of indigenous Papuan people.
