On August 22, the Archdiocese of Ende, Flores, Indonesia, celebrated the consecration and installation of Msgr. Paulus Budi Kleden as its new archbishop.
The solemn Episcopal Ordination took place at Christ the King Cathedral in Ende, marking a significant moment for the local Church and its faithful.
Msgr. Kleden, who previously served as the Superior General of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), was consecrated by Archbishop Piero Pioppo, Apostolic Nuncio to Indonesia. The principal co-consecrators were Bishop Ewaldus Martinus Sedu of Maumere and Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng.
In his address, Archbishop Kleden reflected on his episcopal motto, "Caritas Fraternitatis Maneat in Vobis" (Nurture Brotherly Love), emphasizing the importance of fostering a spirit of brotherhood.
“Nurture brotherly love, because nurturing it is a mandate that resonates within family homes and traditional houses in our villages,” he said.
He urged the faithful to resist the temptation to sacrifice brotherhood for divisive issues, particularly those that distort religious values for fleeting political gains.
“Brotherly love is an inheritance we receive from our culture and faith, and it must be our shared strength as we live together in harmony, regardless of religion, age, economic status, or ideology,” he added.
Archbishop Kleden also highlighted the deep roots of brotherly love in the region, noting that the participation of various religious communities in the events surrounding his installation speaks to the strong bonds that unite the people of Ende.
Bishop Silvester San, in his homily, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the Archbishop’s motto is a call for all to live lives pleasing to God by upholding brotherly love.
“Love is the foundation for building fraternity. Without it, brotherhood disintegrates into disputes, conflicts, and hostility. Brotherly love must be rooted in Christ’s own love,” Bishop San said.
The installation of Archbishop Kleden marks the continuation of a rich tradition, as he becomes the seventh Divine Word Missionary to lead the Archdiocese of Ende since its founding in 1913.
His appointment is a significant honor for the archdiocese and a moment of pride for the global SVD family.
Flores Island, where the archdiocese is located, is a hub of Catholic faith in Indonesia. It is home to St. Paul Major Seminary in Ledalero, the world’s largest seminary, which continues to produce missionaries who serve worldwide.
Archbishop Kleden, a product of this vibrant faith community, now steps into his role as a spiritual leader for the people of Ende.
Born in Waibalun, Diocese of Larantuka, on November 16, 1965, Archbishop Kleden was ordained a priest on May 19, 1993.
He served as the Superior General of the SVD from 2018 to 2024 before being appointed Archbishop of Ende on May 24, 2024.
The Archdiocese of Ende covers 5,084.50 square kilometers, serving over 480,000 Catholics across 72 parishes.
It also oversees the suffragan dioceses of Denpasar (Bali), Labuan Bajo, Larantuka, Maumere, and Ruteng.
In his closing remarks, Archbishop Kleden invited all to join him in prayer, asking for God’s grace as he embarks on this new chapter of his ministry.
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