Amid the solemn journey of Lent, Bishop Maksimus Regus of Labuan Bajo brought a message of hope and renewal to detainees at the West Manggarai Police Headquarters, leading the Way of the Cross in a moving act of compassion and pastoral care.
Accompanied by several priests, religious sisters, and members of the diocesan Easter committee, Bishop Regus visited the detention facility on April 4, 2025, to lead the Stations of the Cross and offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation, extending the Church’s healing presence to those behind bars.
The bishop was warmly welcomed by Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang and the extended police community of West Manggarai, Flores.
“This visit is an expression of our gratitude,” said Bishop Regus. “We are truly thankful to the Chief of Police for facilitating this gathering. We rejoice because we can meet and accompany our brothers and sisters here, and we pray that this encounter brings strength and renewal to all of us.”
In his reflection, Regus emphasized that the Way of the Cross carries deep spiritual meaning, especially for those experiencing suffering or isolation.
“The Way of the Cross teaches us the values of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. It invites us to develop empathy and social solidarity with those who suffer,” he said.
He encouraged the detainees to find peace and inner strength through their spiritual journey. “This devotion helps us reflect, reconcile with God, and rebuild our lives. Even behind bars, you can rise with Christ and live your days with courage and hope,” the bishop declared. “We must be able to rise with Christ and continue living with spirit, even within confinement.”
Bishop Regus also expressed his appreciation for the ongoing collaboration between the Church and the police, not only through this visit but in various community-building efforts.
“We are thankful because our police leadership continues to demonstrate genuine social outreach. The positive atmosphere we experience here is something we hope will grow and flourish,” he said.
He noted that Labuan Bajo and West Manggarai hold enormous potential as a new hope for eastern Indonesia’s development and called on all sectors to contribute meaningfully to the social fabric of the region.
“God has sent us here with a purpose: to serve and work with this community. Together, we are building something beautiful, not just for Flores or East Nusa Tenggara province (NTT), but for the whole of Eastern Indonesia.”
Police Chief AKBP Christian Kadang, in his remarks, called the bishop’s visit a great honor for the police force. “I once told our officers that someday the bishop would visit us—and now that day has come,” he said. “We are truly grateful. Despite the condition of our holding cells, Bishop Regus entered with humility and chose to be among our detainees.”
He shared his hope that such initiatives would continue in the future. “May this encounter help strengthen the moral and spiritual foundation of our detainees. We also welcome the bishop’s support and feedback in our ongoing efforts. As members of the faithful, we see the bishop as our shepherd—it is only right that he corrects us when necessary.”
The visit concluded with shared prayers, heartfelt conversations, and a renewed commitment from both the Church and law enforcement to continue working together in building a more compassionate and hopeful society.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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