Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA News) - The Vatican`s Ambassador to Indonesia Mgr.Antonio Guido Filipazzi will attend the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Catholic church in Tanimbar island, West Maluku Tenggara district, Maluku Province, on October 18, 2011.

"Ambassador Antonio Guido Filipazzi has confirmed his presence at celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the Catholic church in Tanimbar that will be centered in Saumlaki," secretary of the Amboina Diocese, Father Agus Ulahayanan. said here Wednesday.

He said besides attending the Catholic church`s anniversary event in Saumlaki , the Vatican envoy who would be in Maluku October 15 to 19, 2011, would also visit the College of Catholic Education (STAPK) and Franciskus Xavier Major Seminary.

"Ambassador Antonio will lead a mass to bless STPAK and Franciskus Xavier Major Seminary as Catholic education centers in Maluku," he said.

Meanwhile, during a visit to Saumlaki, the Vatican`s ambassador would meet with Catholics in Sifnana, Lauran and Saumlaki villages, and later proceed to Larat to lead a mass to mark the 100th anniversary of the Catholic church in the sub districts.

In addition, the Vatican ambassador would visit the monument of Christ the King in Saumlaki, express gratitude for Catholic church`s 100th anniversary and attended the opening of Maluku`s Ecclesiastical Choir Festival.

Father Ulahayanan said the ambassador was also scheduled to hold a meeting with Maluku provincial and Ambon city government officials but the exact time of the meeting had yet to be determined.

"The presence of the ambassador in Maluku is expected to be a motivation for the improvement of the Catholics faith in Maluku," he said. (*)

Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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