Entertainment
Earthquake in Indonesia kills 38; Catholic festival cancelled
At least 38 people have died and thousands have been displaced after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s predominantly Catholic island of Flores. The Diocese of Labuan Bajo canceled the closing celebrations of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival, while a major priestly formation celebration in Ledalero was moved outdoors after earthquake damage made the chapel and reception hall unsafe.
By Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD – LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia
At least 38 people have died and thousands more have been displaced after a powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia’s Flores Island early Saturday, August 15.
The earthquake caused widespread damage, with landslides, collapsed buildings, and blocked roads reported across several regencies. Rescue efforts were complicated by damaged infrastructure and difficult access to some communities.
Earthquake strikes on Feast of the Assumption
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake struck at 5:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in East Nusa Tenggara Province. The quake occurred along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust, one of the region’s active fault systems.
A tsunami warning briefly sent residents in coastal areas to higher ground before it was lifted. BMKG reported at least 31 aftershocks by the afternoon.
The earthquake struck as Catholics across Flores were preparing to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
At Ritapiret Major Seminary in Sikka, seminarians, priests, and religious sisters fled as the building was shaken and parts of the structure were damaged. Local reports said one priest suffered a broken leg after jumping from a second-floor window.
Perpetual vows celebrated outdoors in Ledalero
The earthquake also dramatically changed the celebration of perpetual vows at St. Paul Major Seminary in Ledalero, where 27 Divine Word seminarians were scheduled to make their final profession on the Feast of the Assumption.
Unlike previous years, the celebration could not take place inside the seminary chapel. The chapel was rendered unusable after part of its ceiling collapsed in the earthquake.
The hall prepared for the reception was also damaged, with debris from the ceiling making it unsafe for use.
As a result, the Eucharistic celebration was moved outdoors, in front of the hall, under a temporary tent. The arrangement also allowed the community to remain vigilant in case of further seismic activity.
The Mass, originally scheduled for 8:30 a.m., was postponed until 9:30 a.m. to allow time to assess the situation and make the necessary preparations.
No aftershock occurred during the celebration itself, although further tremors were reported before and after the Eucharistic celebration.
Despite the disruption and uncertainty, the 27 seminarians proceeded with their perpetual profession, entrusting their missionary vocation to God amid a difficult moment for the people of Flores.
The celebration became a powerful sign of faith and perseverance as the Church on the island confronted the immediate consequences of the earthquake.
The Church offered prayers and congratulations to the 27 newly professed Divine Word Missionaries, praying that they may remain faithful to their vocation and missionary commitment.
The community also prayed for the people of Flores, particularly those who were injured, those who lost loved ones, and those whose homes and livelihoods were damaged by the earthquake.
Diocese cancels Golo Koe festival
Hours after the earthquake, the Diocese of Labuan Bajo announced the cancellation of the remaining events of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival 2026, including the closing Mass, concert and cultural performances.
Bishop Maksimus Regus said the decision was taken in response to the disaster and concerns for public safety.
“We choose not to continue the celebration, but to stand together in solidarity and accompany those who are facing difficult circumstances,” he said.
The bishop urged Catholics to remain calm, follow official instructions and turn the spirit of the festival into concrete acts of compassion.
“The festival may stop, but the spirit of brotherhood, solidarity, and care must continue,” he said.
Church turns celebration into solidarity
Now in its fifth year, the Golo Koe Festival is one of eastern Indonesia’s significant Catholic and cultural celebrations. This year’s theme, “Walking Together, Healing the Earth,” took on a deeper meaning as planned festivities gave way to prayer and solidarity.
The earthquake has also revived memories of the devastating 1992 Flores earthquake and tsunami, which killed about 2,500 people.
Across Flores, Church communities have been encouraged to prioritize safety, prayer and solidarity with those affected as rescue and humanitarian operations continue.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid damaged buildings and follow official information as the possibility of further aftershocks remains.
For the Catholic community of Flores, the Feast of the Assumption unfolded this year not through the celebrations originally planned, but through a renewed call to faith, perseverance and solidarity with those suffering.
Source link
