Church and government officials have praised Catholic schools in East Nusa Tenggara province for their contributions to character-building among local youths. “Catholic schools have produced qualified individuals intellectually and in terms of good character. If these are the Catholic schools’ strengths, they must maintain them,” said Archbishop Petrus Turang of Kupang in his homily during Holy Mass yesterday commemorating the 50th anniversary of St. John Mary Vianney Junior High School in Timor Tengah Selatan district. The Catholic school, one of many in the province, has shown its commitment to improving the spiritual lives of youths, Archbishop Turang said. “Its presence has been welcomed by local government and society.” The Archbishop added that encouragement should be given to further develop the quality of education at a junior high school run by the Swastisari Foundation in the archdiocese of Kupang. Governor Fransiskus Lebu Raya also acknowledged that the local government has appreciated the contributions of Catholic schools to the quality of education in the country. “Without the Catholic mission, the education in this province might be left behind,” he said. Related reports: Catholic schools 'must build character'