Pope Francis establishes new Diocese of Labuan Bajo in Indonesia, appoints Father Maximus Regus as first bishop

Pope Francis has established the Diocese of Labuan Bajo in West Manggarai, Flores, Indonesia, following extensive preparation by Bishop Siprianus Hormat, local priests, and the faithful.

This new diocese, formed by dividing the large Diocese of Ruteng, aims to better serve its numerous faithful by bringing the ministry closer to the community.

Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng stated that the establishment of the new diocese is intended "to bring the Ministry closer to the faithful," as cited in Mirifica Net.

The announcement also includes the joyous news that Father Maximus Regus, currently the Rector of St. Paulus Catholic University in Ruteng, Flores, has been appointed as the first Bishop of Labuan Bajo. 

This decision was officially published in the Vatican bulletin "Osservatore Romano" Rinunce e nomine (vatican.va) and announced on, June 21, 2024, at both the Holy Spirit Parish Church in Labuan Bajo and Ruteng Cathedral at 18:00 local time and 12:00 Rome time.

Labuan Bajo, a rapidly growing town located on the western tip of Flores Island in Indonesia, has become the center of a significant development in the Catholic Church. 

Labuan Bajo also serves as a gateway to the world-renowned Komodo National Park and is not only significant for its religious communities but also as a cultural and tourist hub. 

The establishment of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo is a significant step in the Catholic Church's mission in Indonesia, aiming to enhance its outreach and support to the faithful in this vibrant and diverse region.

Bishop Maximus Regus: Curriculum Vitae:

• Place & Date of Birth: Todo, September 23, 1973

• Ordained Priesthood: August 10, 2001

Educational Background

• Philosophy Studies at Sekolah Tinggi Filsafat Katolik (STFK) Ledalero, 1993-1997

• Theology Studies at STFK Ledalero, 1999-2001

• Sociology Studies (Master), University of Indonesia, graduated in 2009

• Sociology Studies (Doctorate), Graduate School of Humanities, Tilburg Catholic University, Netherlands, graduated in 2017.

Rev. Maximus Regus has also published several scholarly articles on politics, philosophy, and human rights.

Pastoral Experience

• Deacon Ministry at Christ the King Parish, Ruteng, May-August 2001

• Chaplain Priest at Christ the King Parish, Ruteng, September 2001-August 2007

• Chairman of the Interreligious Commission, Diocese of Ruteng, 2002-2007

• Coordinator of Interreligious Dialogue, Diocese of Ruteng, 2005-2007, supported by Kirch in Not, Germany

• Coordinator for Youth Activities Across Religions, Diocese of Ruteng, 2005-2007, supported by Kirch in Not, Germany

• Lecturer at St. Paul Catholic University, Ruteng, 2018-2019

• Dean of the Faculty of Education, St. Paulus Catholic University, Ruteng, 2019-2023

• Rector of St. Paul Catholic University, Ruteng, June 2023-2027

• Diocesan Priest Coordinator, Diocese of Ruteng, 2020-2023

• Diocesan Priest Coordinator, Diocese of Ruteng, 2023-2026