A small Catholic community in eastern Indonesia has received an extraordinary spiritual gift after two relics from Saint Peter’s Basilica were solemnly brought to the village of Lewouran in East Flores, marking a historic moment for the local Church and strengthening its bond with the See of Peter.
According to Vatican News, Father Markus Solo Kewuta, SVD, returned to his birthplace on Aug. 3 carrying two authenticated relics from Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The relics include soil taken from the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle and a stone fragment from the Holy Door (Porta Sancta) of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Both relics are accompanied by Vatican-issued certificates of authenticity.
Hundreds of Catholics gathered outside Saint Peter the Apostle Mission Station Church to welcome the priest, affectionately known as Padre Marco, as he processed with the relics into the parish. Local elders honored his return with traditional East Flores customs, presenting him with woven cloth, betel nut, and traditional drinks as signs of respect and welcome, according to Vatican News.
During his visit, Father Markus reflected on the deeper meaning of the relics for the faithful.
“In Catholic tradition, relics are not objects of worship, but tangible signs that connect us to the lives and witness of the saints,” he said, according to Vatican News.
He explained that the relics symbolize the unity between the local Catholic community and the universal Church.
“The presence of Saint Peter’s relics here in Lewouran signifies the profound communion between our local Church in East Flores and the Universal Church,” Father Markus said.
The priest also recalled helping build the parish church roughly 25 years ago through the efforts of local Catholics. At the time, he hoped the church would one day become a place of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal.
“A quarter of a century ago, when we were building this chapel, we could never have imagined that relics from Rome would one day rest here,” Father Markus said, according to Vatican News. “Back then, I expressed a hope that this place would become a center of spiritual growth and welcome many pilgrims. Today, we see that dream slowly taking shape.”
Rather than viewing the relics simply as a source of local pride, Father Markus encouraged the faithful to embrace their spiritual significance.
“It is a calling for us to deepen our faith, strengthen our sense of fraternity, and serve others. My prayer is that this church becomes a sanctuary for prayer, pilgrimage, and hope,” he said, according to Vatican News.
Local civic leaders also welcomed the occasion. According to Vatican News, Yohanes Kleden, head of the Ile Bura District, praised Father Markus’ service to the Church and its impact on the local community.
“Having a native of East Flores serving in such an important role at the Vatican inspires our entire community,” Kleden said. “It gives our young people a reason to dream and dedicated themselves to serving others.”
According to Vatican News, Father Markus will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving during his visit before formally entrusting the relics to Saint Peter the Apostle Mission Station Church. He is also expected to visit schools and dormitories under his guidance before returning to his ministry at the Holy See.
Born in Lewouran in 1968, Father Markus became the first Indonesian priest appointed to serve in the Roman Curia in 2015. He is also widely recognized in Indonesia for serving as Pope Francis’ official translator during the Holy Father’s Apostolic Journey to Indonesia in September 2024, according to Vatican News.
The enshrinement of these relics marks a significant moment for Catholics in East Flores, transforming a humble mission church into a place that may draw pilgrims seeking a closer connection to the faith of the Apostle Peter and the universal Church.
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