03/12/2024, 10.41
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New Archbishop of Kupang: 'Pastor together with everyone'

by Mathias Hariyadi

Fr. Hironimus Pakaenoni appointed a few days ago to lead the archdiocese of East Nusa Tenggara Province. He succeeds Bishop Turang who is leaving due to age limit. Among his objectives is the 'development' of the community in a context of 'pluralistic societies' that must 'walk together'. 

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Taking care of "the flock" inspired by the "Kenosis" of Jesus Christ, the "great shepherd", who dedicates his life and mission to the development of the Christian community. Likewise "I intend to work for the development of the archdiocese of Kupang", in a context characterized by "pluralistic societies" called at the same time to "walk together".

These are the words of Fr. Hironimus Pakaenoni, appointed by Pope Francis on 9 March as new archbishop of the metropolitan archdiocese of Kupang to replace the resigning Msgr. Peter Turang speakling with AsiaNews about his ideal of mission following his episcopal appointment.

“My pastoral motto reads 'Pasce oves meas' - continues the bishop - which means 'Take care of my sheep'. This motto should be compared with the three temptations of Jesus."

Bishop Hironimus Pakaenoni was born on 14 April 1969 in Noemuti, in the diocese of Atambua, located in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, the southernmost of the islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago.

The prelate attended the minor seminary of Lalian, diocese of Atambua and then the interdiocesan major seminary of Ritapiret, diocese of Maumere, following philosophy courses at the high school in Ledalero. After a pastoral year in the archdiocese of Kupang, the new bishop continued his studies of theology in Ritapiret and Ledalero. The priestly ordination dates back to 8 November 1997, taking place in Kupang.

Over the years the prelate has held numerous positions and carried out further studies, including: parish vicar H.M. Hired in Kupang (1997-1999); parish priest of the St. Petrus community in Sulamu (1999-2001); obtained a license in dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome (2001-2003); parish vicar of San Gregorio Magno in Oloeta (2003-2004); formator of the St. Michael interdiocesan major seminary of Kupang and teacher of dogmatic theology at the Katolik Widya Mandira universitas in Kupang (since 2004); finally dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Religion of the Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira of Kupang from 2010 to 2018, head of the Commission for the Laity of the archdiocese and president of the Swastisari Educational Foundation for over a decade (2012-2023).

Over the weekend the Holy See chose a diocesan priest to succeed Msgr. Petrus "Piet" Turang, who left office after reaching the age limit, announcing his resignation and the appointment of the new pastor in the presence of hundreds of faithful. In the mission, the new archbishop will also be able to count on his experience as an educator and trainer in seminaries, in addition to his studies in the field of philosophy and theology.

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