By Stanislaus Jumar Sudiyana
The village of Lewouran, nestled at the foot of Mount Lewotobi in East Flores, Indonesia, witnessed a spiritual milestone on Aug 3. On that day, Father Markus Solo Kewuta, SVD, returned to his birthplace bringing with him two precious relics from St Peter’s Basilica.
The warmth of a native son’s homecoming blended with profound religious reverence as hundreds of the faithful lined the streets leading to Saint Peter the Apostle Mission Station Church. Kneeling with bowed heads, the local Catholic community welcomed Fr Markus, affectionately known as Padre Marco, as he carried the sacred relics entrusted from Rome.
The homecoming was marked by traditional East Flores hospitality. Village elders draped Fr Markus in traditional woven cloth (kain tenun) and offered betel nut and traditional drinks – a symbolic gesture of deep respect and acceptance for a priest who has spent years serving the Universal Church at the Holy See.
Bridging the Local and Universal Church
Padre Marco, who currently serves at the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, brought two significant gifts to his home parish, which was built roughly 25 years ago through the collective labor (gotong royong) of the local faithful.
The two relics are soil from the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle and a stone fragment from the Holy Door (Porta Sancta) of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Both are accompanied by official certificates of authenticity issued by the Vatican.
“In Catholic tradition, relics are not objects of worship, but tangible signs that connect us to the lives and witness of the saints,” Fr Markus explained during his visit.
“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.”
Reflecting on the parish’s humble origins, Fr Markus recalled the church’s construction around the year 2001.
“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. 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.”
He emphasized that the arrival of the relics is not a cause for mere pride, but an invitation to spiritual renewal: “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.”
A Source of Inspiration
The event was also celebrated by local civic leaders. Yohanes Kleden, Head of the Ile Bura District, expressed the community’s pride in welcoming Padre Marco back home.
“Having a native of East Flores serving in such an important role at the Vatican inspires our entire community,” Kleden remarked. “It gives our young people a reason to dream and dedicated themselves to serving others.”
During his stay, Fr Markus is scheduled to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving, visit local educational institutions and dormitories under his guidance, and officially entrust the relics to the St Peter Mission Station Church before returning to his ministry in Rome.
Born in Lewouran in 1968, Fr Markus joined the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and became the first Indonesian priest to serve in the Roman Curia in 2015. He gained widespread recognition in Indonesia as the official translator for Pope Francis during the Pontiff’s Apostolic Journey to Indonesia in Sep 2024.
For the people of Lewouran, the enshrinement of St Peter’s relics turns a modest village church into a beacon of faith, prayer, and pilgrimage for generations to come. – Vatican News
