Bishop Fransiskus Kopong Kung of Larantuka on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara Timur blessed cyclists from around the globe on Thursday, to kickoff the Tour de Flores, the first international sporting event held on the Catholic majority island.
The event started on May 19 in Larantuka in eastern Flores, with stops in Maumere, Ende, Bajawa, Ruteng and will conclude May 23 in Labuan Bajo in west Flores, covering a distance of 661 kilometers.
Bishop Kung told the cyclists that Flores is a gift from God because of its beauty, and Larantuka as the city of the Queen of the Rosary
“I hope the Queen of the Rosary will protect you throughout the competition,” Bishop Kung said.
Bishop Kung told ucanews.com he hoped the event “will inspire young Catholics to stand up and protect their land from any harm.”
