Thursday, February 2, 2023, is the Catholics’ historical event in Jayapura. On that day, the Vatican ordained a native Papuan as the Bishop of Jayapura. That person is Monsignor Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You. Read on to learn more about the Papuan bishop who received a lot of warm welcomes.
Who is Monsignor Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You?
Mgr. Dr. Yanuarius Teofilus Matopai You is the first Bishop of Jayapura, a native Papuan. He succeeded the retired bishop, Laba Ladjar O.F.M. Yanuarius was born on January 1, 1961, and is the second child of Lukas You and Rosalina Tatogo.
Before being appointed as Bishop, Yanuarius served as Vicar General of Jayapura Diocese for 4 years (2002-2006). He then pursued his Master’s degree at Gajah Mada University and earned his doctorate at Cenderawasih University.
Among many interesting facts about the indigenous bishop is that he has had aspirations to become a priest since kindergarten. Although his uncle once opposed his wish, Monsignor You proved that he could achieve this childhood dream, even exceeding people’s expectations.
Historical Events for People in Papua
The appointment of Yanuarius is a historic event for Catholics in Indonesia, especially in Papua. This is because the Jayapura diocese has their bishop from the native Papuan for the first time.
Yanuarius serves as bishop at the King Cathedral in Jayapura. After 128 years, Pope Francis from the Vatican, for the first time, appointed a Papuan as Bishop for the church.
The Vatican ambassador to Indonesia, Monsignor Piero Pioppo, carried out the coronation of Yanuarius as bishop. The procession for the ordination of a new leader for the Jayapura Diocese was solemn and lively. At the end of the procession, Yanuarius was paraded around the city to the Mandala Stadium.
Apart from that, there is also a banquet being held for Yanuarius and thousands of people who were present at the same location. Both the ordination procession at the catholic church and the banquet at the stadium received security from more than 4,000 joint TNI and Polri personnel.
Serving as a bishop for churches in Papua, Yanuarius expressed his mission in his speech. Some of them are as follows:
- Maintain harmony between priests in Papua
- Synergize with the government, TNI (Indonesian Military), Polri (Indonesian Police), social institutions, and followers of other religions for security and peace in Papua
- Creating cultural characteristics of the Papuan church. One of them is holding traditional education in Catholic schools in Papua.
Yanuarius conveyed his motto Ego Vobisccum Sum, meaning “I Am With You.” He believed that his ordination was a gift and real proof of God’s love. He continued the church would also uphold justice and human rights against stigma and racism.
Warm Welcome from Various Parties
Many people rejoiced and gave warm welcomes for the coronation of Bishop Yanuarius. It was proven by the attendance of more than 30 bishops from many regions in Indonesia.
One of them is Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, a bishop in Indonesia who is the Coadjutor Archbishop of Jakarta.
In addition, AM Adiyanto Sumadjono, who was also present at the procession as a representative from the Indonesian Ministry of Religion, expressed his congratulations and hopes for the ordination of Bishop Yanuarius.
He wished that Bishop Yanuarius would be able to carry out his duties and listen to the people’s aspirations as well as provide the best solutions for society and Catholics in particular.
Pastor Heskia Rollo, chairman of the Papuan Churches Fellowship (PGGP), also expressed his joy in his interview.
Pastor Heskia said, “We, PGGP and the 58 Synod, are truly happy and grateful not only because of the newly ordained bishop for catholic society in Jayapura. It’s also because we are so proud that we have the first native Papuan bishop after 128 years.”
