The Augustinian Province of Santo Niño de Cebu-Philippines congratulates Rev. Fr. Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, OSA, member of the Augustinian Vicariate of Christus Totus in Papua-Indonesia on his appointment as Bishop of Timika, Indonesia.
From the Vatican website:
The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Fr. Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, O.S.A., until now counsellor of the Augustinian vicariate of Papua-Indonesia and director of the Fajar Timur Superior School of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Jayapura.
Msgr. Bernardus Bofitwos Baru, O.S.A., was born on 22 August 1969 in Suswa, Indonesia. He studied philosophy and theology at the STFT Fajar Timur in Jayapura and obtained a doctorate in missiology from the Pontifical Urbaniana University of Rome. He entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine, and was ordained a priest on 30 July 2006 for the diocese of Sorong, Indonesia.
He has held the following offices: master of novices in Sorong, Pahlawan, in the Community of Biara Tagasta (2006-2008), counsellor of the delegation of Papua-Indonesia (2006-2008), consultor of the diocese of Manokwari-Sorong, Indonesia (2006-2012), superior of the delegation of Papua-Indonesia (2008-2014), prior of the Community of Biara Tagaste in Sorong, Pahlawan (2010-2014, 2018-2023).
Since 2021, he has served as counsellor of the Augustinian vicariate of Papua-Indonesia and, since 2023, director of the Superior School of Philosophy and Theology of Fajar Timur in Abepura, Jayapura.
Bishop-elect Bernardus is the second bishop to lead the Diocese of Timika since its establishment in 2003, succeeding Bishop John Philip Saklil (2003-2019), the first bishop. The diocese has been led by Fr. Marthen Kuayo as Diocesan Administrator since the passing of Bishop John on August 3, 2019.
Meanwhile, the Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine, Rev. Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, OSA, shares in the joy of Fr. Bernardus’ nomination and extends his heartfelt congratulations. In a message to all members of the Order, he, along with the Augustinian brothers and sisters, expresses sincere best wishes and assures Fr. Bernardus of their prayers, asking the Lord to be his strength, hope, comfort, and guiding light in his episcopal ministry.
