CCBI Stands with Indonesia in Prayer and Solidarity After Devastating Earthquake

New Delhi, 16 August 2026: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has expressed deep sorrow and prayerful solidarity with the people and the Catholic Church in Indonesia following the devastating earthquake that struck Flores Island on 15 August, causing loss of life, injuries and widespread damage.

 

In a message addressed to Most Rev. Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, OSC, Bishop of Bandung and President of Bishops’ Conference of Indonesia, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, conveyed the Episcopal Conference’s heartfelt condolences to the affected families and communities.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the lives lost, the injuries sustained and the damage inflicted on families and communities,” Cardinal Ferrão said. He assured the Bishops, Clergy, Religious and Lay faithful of Indonesia, particularly those in the affected areas, of the CCBI’s “fervent prayers and deep closeness.”

 

The earthquake also led the Diocese of Labuan Bajo to cancel the closing celebrations of the Golo Koe Maria Assumpta Nusantara Festival. At Ritapiret Major Seminary in Sikka, seminarians, priests and religious sisters were forced to evacuate after parts of the building were damaged.

 

Remembering those engaged in rescue and relief operations, Cardinal Ferrão prayed that the Lord would strengthen and protect them in their service.

 

“May Christ, the Divine Healer, comfort those who mourn, grant healing to the injured, give courage to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods and inspire hope in every heart,” he said.

 

The CCBI expressed its fraternal solidarity with the Church and people of Indonesia and prayed for the recovery of the affected communities. Cardinal Ferrão also invoked the intercession of Our Lady of the Assumption, Patroness of Indonesia, asking her to obtain from the Lord “the gifts of strength, peace and consolation” for the nation.

 

By Catholic Connect Reporter