Muslims joined Catholics in processions and shared prayers to celebrate a religious and cultural festival dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary on Indonesia’s Christian-majority Flores Island. Source: UCA News.
Hundreds of people participated in the procession with the Marian statue to kick off the festival known locally as Golo Koe at St Martin’s Parish in Bari on July 9, Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) reported.
The July 9-August 14 festival with the iconic statue of Our Lady of the Assumption is celebrated across 26 parishes in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo.
Though initially planned as a maritime procession, the pilgrimage was later shifted to an overland route due to inclement weather.
The inauguration of the procession was marked with traditional Manggarai dances, songs, and rituals.
Muslim villagers, dressed in traditional attire, joined the celebration, decorating the streets with bamboo to welcome Mary, marking a powerful witness of interfaith solidarity, RVA reported.
Presiding over the opening Mass, Bishop Maksimus Regus called Mary a model of unity and presence.
“Her visit reminds us that God walks with us. The involvement of our Muslim brothers and sisters reflects the inclusive spirit of this festival,” Bishop Regus said.
Fr Richardus Manggu, vicar general of the diocese and festival chairperson, said the event is more than just a religious festival.
“It’s a spiritual and cultural movement of togetherness – transcending religious and ethnic lines,” he said.
“Mary Assumpta is a sign of hope. This journey reflects the synodal path of walking together in faith,” said Fr Fransiskus Nala, diocesan secretary general.
The journey will culminate in a grand August 14 procession from Waterfront City to Golo Koe Hill, concluding the more than a month-long festival in one of Indonesia’s prime tourist destinations.
FULL STORY
Muslims join Christians for popular Marian festival in Indonesia (UCA News)
