The village of Lewouran, nestled at the foot of Mount Lewotobi in East Flores, Indonesia, witnessed a spiritual milestone on August 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 homecoming was marked by both warmth and deep reverence. Hundreds of the faithful lined the streets leading to Saint Peter the Apostle Mission Station Church, kneeling with bowed heads as Fr. Markus — affectionately known as Padre Marco — carried the sacred relics entrusted from Rome.Village elders welcomed him with traditional East Flores hospitality, draping him in woven cloth and offering betel nut and traditional drinks. It was a gesture of deep respect for a native son who has spent years serving the Universal Church at the Holy See.
Padre Marco, who currently serves at the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, brought two significant gifts to his home parish, built roughly 25 years ago through the collective labor of the local faithful.The relics are soil from the tomb of Saint Peter the Apostle and a stone fragment from the Holy Door of Saint Peter’s Basilica. Both come with 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, he recalled its construction around 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.”
Local civic leaders also celebrated the event. Yohanes Kleden, Head of the Ile Bura District, said having a native of East Flores serving in an important role at the Vatican inspires the entire community. “It gives our young people a reason to dream and dedicate themselves to serving others.”During his stay, Fr. Markus is scheduled to celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving, visit local schools and dormitories, 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 and became the first Indonesian priest to serve in the Roman Curia in 2015. He also gained recognition in Indonesia as the official translator for Pope Francis during the Pontiff’s Apostolic Journey to Indonesia in September 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.