Mgr. Maksimus Regus to be ordained as the first bishop of Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo Diocese

Mgr. Maksimus Regus is set to be ordained as the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Labuan Bajo in Flores, Indonesia, on November 1, 2024.

The celebrations and preparations, which began in early October, will culminate in three days of significant events from October 31 to November 2, marking a historic moment for the diocese and its community.

According to a press release, the ordination will feature four main events that hold symbolic significance for the community.

The Arrival Ceremony—Mgr. Maksimus Regus was officially welcomed on October 12 with traditional rites at Pa‘ang Lembor, followed by a celebratory service at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Labuan Bajo. This event marked his initial entry into the diocese and emphasized the importance of local customs in the journey ahead.

Vespers on October 31: An evening of prayer will take place at 5:00 PM at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, led by Bishop Silvester San of Denpasar, with support from Mgr. Siprianus Hormat and Mgr. Martinus Ewaldus Sedu, close collaborators in guiding the diocese.

The Ordination Mass on November 1: The central ordination ceremony will be held at St. Peter’s Church in Sernaru at 8:30 AM, officiated by Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo. Bishop Paulus Budi Kleden and Bishop Siprianus Hormat will act as co-consecrators, marking the ceremonial transfer of pastoral leadership to Bishop Maksimus Regus.

Pontifical Mass: On November 2, Bishop Maksimus Regus will celebrate his first Pontifical Mass as bishop at the Holy Spirit Cathedral, a formal start to his ministry in Labuan Bajo.

In preparation for the ordination, the diocese organized various activities across its 25 parishes, fostering unity and engagement. 

As noted in the press release, these events included catechism sessions, an interfaith meeting with the NU Labuan Bajo Secretariat on October 14, and environmental initiatives such as coral reef rehabilitation at Binongko Beach on October 25 and tree planting around the bishop’s residence.

The ordination committee of 243 members, composed of representatives from the Church, local government, schools, businesses, community figures, and interfaith leaders, has prioritized inclusivity and collaboration. 

The committee’s work reflects the spirit of the bishop’s motto, Ut Mundus Salvetur Per Ipsum (That the World Might Be Saved Through Him, John 3:17), embodying principles of synodality, inclusivity, solidarity, and ecological care.

The organizers invite all faithful and local media to join in the Vespers, Ordination Mass, and Pontifical Mass, underscoring the joy and communal pride surrounding the ordination of Labuan Bajo’s first bishop.

The Diocese of Labuan Bajo is a newly established Catholic diocese in Indonesia, covering parts of the Manggarai region in West Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. 

Labuan Bajo, known for its tourism and as a gateway to Komodo National Park, brings both challenges and opportunities for the Church's mission. 

The diocese’s first bishop, Mgr. Maksimus Regus will be ordained on November 1 to prioritize inclusive ministry, community development, and environmental stewardship, aligning with the diocese’s vision for a vibrant, faith-filled future in this culturally diverse region.