Speech of Nuncio – Episcopal Ordination of Christophorus Tri Harsono

Your Eminence,

Your Excellency and beloved Metropolitan Archbishop of Semarang,

Distinguished Authorities,

Dear Archbishops and Bishops,

Dear Priests, Consecrated Men and Women and Lay People

Dear Mgr. Christophorus!

“May the Grace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor 13:14)!

With these words, by which the Apostle St. Paul addressed the faithful of the first Christian community, I also greet you all, bringing you the spiritual presence and the blessing of the Holy Father.

Pope Francis is very pleased that Purwokerto Diocese can participate today in the consecration of the new Bishop, whom he sent as Shepherd, Monsignor Christophorus Tri Harsono, from Bogor Diocese, a priest that is highly esteemed, examplar, intellectually well-prepared, but above all a man of God, that, as a father will love all his priests, all his faithful, and all man of good will that live here in harmony and peace.

Among us, I see, smiling and very happy, the meritorious Mons. Julianus Kemo Sunarko, sj, Bishop Emeritus. I want to say him, in the name of the Pope: Thank you for your long and fruitful apostolate! Long live! Many blessings from the Lord!

I see, then, Father Tarcisius Puryatno, Diocesan Administrator for one and a half. In the name of the Pope, I would like to thank you, all the diocesan priests, and religious men and women, for the work accomplished in these past months, and for what has been prepared so well, in order to welcome today the new Bishop!

Finally, I see, already dressed in episcopal vestment and sit at his cathedra, Mons. Tri Harsono, who since today and onwards, must represent Christ, the Good Shepherd, for all of you. From my heart, and in prayer, I wish to congratulate him: May you always be transformed into the image of the Lord Jesus, who is serving, loving, and leading all of you in the right path toward God!

And to all of you, dear Catholics faithful of Purwokerto, who are present today in great number and joy, I recommend you always to love and respect your new Bishop; because when you love the Bishop, you love the Church; and when you love the Church, you honor God and the good of all mankind will be accomplished!

Amen!