The Promised Land of Catholic Vocations: Inside Indonesia’s Diocese of Ruteng
Located on the picturesque island of Flores in Indonesia, the Diocese of Ruteng has gained a remarkable reputation as a hub for Catholic vocations, earning the nickname of the “promised land” according to Bishop Ciprianus Hormat.
With a Catholic population of 800,000 out of a million inhabitants, Ruteng stands out as the largest Catholic diocese in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim nation comprising 17,000 islands.
Known as the “diocese of a thousand congregations,” Ruteng is home to a vibrant array of religious institutes, social works, schools, and seminaries. This rich religious tapestry has even caught the attention of Pope Francis, who in 2022 highlighted Flores as a potential source of vocations for the global Church.
In an engaging interview with the Vatican’s Fides News Agency, Bishop Ciprianus Hormat shed light on the flourishing seminary life in the region. “In the minor seminary of Ruteng, we have 450 boys, with 350 more in the nearby diocese of Labuan Bajo. Many young men express the desire to join each year,” the Bishop shared.
Despite the natural progression where only 40-50% of candidates proceed from the minor seminary to the major seminary, Bishop Hormat emphasized the importance of allowing youth to discern their vocation, describing it as crucial years for personal and spiritual growth.
The diocese boasts of 85 parishes, 212 diocesan priests, over 200 religious priests, and more than 1,000 consecrated women from various congregations of female religious. Bishop Hormat expressed gratitude to the missionaries who established and nurtured the faith in the region.
Aside from its religious influence, the Catholic Church in Ruteng plays a pivotal role in education, with 265 elementary schools, 20 high schools, and the recent completion of the Catholic University of San Paolo. The Bishop highlighted the historical legacy of quality education promoted by the Church.
Ruteng’s abundance of vocations reaches beyond its borders, participating in Indonesia’s “missio domestica” program and sending priests to regions in need. The diocese also partners with Holland, allowing priests to work there for a period before returning home.
“The gift of vocations is a mystery, it is God who calls,” emphasized Bishop Hormat, emphasizing the importance of accompanying youth on their path to priesthood and consecrated life for the benefit of the entire Church.
Ruteng’s commitment to the global Church is rooted in its ties to Dutch missionaries, as Bishop Hormat expressed gratitude for their legacy and their missionary spirit that continues to guide the diocese’s work.
This fascinating insight into the Diocese of Ruteng showcases a thriving community of faith, education, and vocations that continues to enrich not only the local Church but the universal Church as a whole.
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