LENGKONG CEPANG, July 14, 2026 – An atmosphere of joy filled St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Lengkong Cepang on Friday, July 10, 2026. The parish served as the starting point for an inter-parish procession as part of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival 2026.
The welcoming ceremony for the statue of Maria Assumpta Nusantara was a lively event with active community participation. Interestingly, the procession was attended not only by Catholics but also by local Muslims, reflecting the strong religious harmony in the region. The highlight of the welcoming ceremony was a festive Mass presided over by the Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Mgr. Maksimus Regus.
A Visit That Brought Joy
In his homily, Bishop Maksimus Regus emphasized that this year’s grand procession is an invitation for the faithful to reflect on the meaning of Mary’s visit. Drawing inspiration from the story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the bishop explained that this encounter was a moment of transformation. Although Mary was initially afraid when she received the angel’s message, through God’s love and the work of the Holy Spirit, the visit became a source of immense joy.
“That visit is a visit that brings joy, a visit that brings happiness, and a visit that can change our lives,” said Bishop Maksimus in his homily.
He added that the presence of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the parish, in families, and in the hearts of the faithful is expected to bring healing—both physical and spiritual.
A Call to Walk Together and Nurture Brotherhood
The bishop urged all the faithful to make the most of this grace-filled time through prayer and self-surrender. He emphasized that the visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary is not merely a ceremony, but a call to live as one family of believers.
“May the visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary always transform us so that we may walk together as brothers and sisters in this life,” the bishop emphasized.
He encouraged the congregation to support, love, and forgive one another as a tangible expression of fostering a better life.
A Month-Long Series of Processions After spending the night at the Lengkong Cepang Parish, the statue of Maria Assumpta Nusantara will continue its journey to visit 26 other parishes throughout the Diocese of Labuan Bajo over the course of one month. This grand series of processions is scheduled to reach its climax on August 14, 2026, with a maritime procession through the waters around Labuan Bajo, ending at Golo Koe Hill. The faithful are encouraged to continue offering their hopes and longings in prayer as the Blessed Virgin Mary visits their respective parishes.
Media Contact: Heribertus Ratu (081398461957), Publications Section, Golo Koe 2026 Festival Committee, Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai
