UCA News
Contribute

North Sulawesi episcopal ordination gives Indonesia new bishop

Benedictus Estephanus Rolly Untu becomes new prelate of Manado Diocese
North Sulawesi episcopal ordination gives Indonesia new bishop
Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi blesses the new bishop of Manado during his episcopal ordination ceremony. (Photo supplied)
Published: July 11, 2017 04:50 AM GMT
Updated: July 11, 2017 04:51 AM GMT

Manado Diocese in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province has a new bishop following the episcopal ordination of Father Benedictus Estephanus Rolly Untu on July 8.

Bishop Untu replaces Sacred Heart Bishop Joseph Theodorus Suwatan who retired in April.

The new bishop was ordained during a ceremony at Maesa Tondado Stadium in Minahasa district. Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi, Indonesia's outgoing apostolic nuncio, led the ceremony attended by more than 35,000 Catholics.

Bishop Untu, born on Jan. 4, 1957, was the former provincial of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Indonesia. He was ordained a priest on June 29, 1983 after attending St. Francis Xavier Minor Seminary in Kakaskasen and the Sacred Heart Major Seminary of Pineleng.

The new bishop "is a humble and simple figure," according to Father Steven Lalu, who heads the diocese's commission for communications.

"This, is the most beautiful thing for the diocese. But the diocese also needs a bishop with good leadership. And I believe he is capable of that, because of his experience serving as a provincial," he said.

Manado Diocese is one of two suffragans of Makassar Archdiocese. This diocese has nine vicariates with 62 parishes and more than 250,000 Catholics.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia