Jayapura, Jubi – The Bishop of Jayapura Diocese, Msgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Maatopai You has asked all Catholics in his region to never sell their land to anyone for any purpose.
“On the first day I was ordained as Bishop of Jayapura, I asked all Catholics and Indigenous Papuans to never sell land. Live from the products of the land,” said the Bishop who was also known as Bishop Yan You during his speech at the reception at Mandala Jayapura stadium on Thursday, (2/2/2023).
Maatopai said this action was to save the future generations. He said he would check in each Parish in the four Decenates of Jayapura, Keerom, Wamena and Bintang Mountains.
“I will come to check in every Parish and every community base if the land is owned by individuals, families, and clans. If someone is selling, I will ask what the reason is,” he said.
According to him, God created the land so that humans live from the results of managing the land. “So let us be responsible to the Lord,” he said.
In addition, he asked his congregation to start praying for Divine Mercy at 3 p.m. Papua time.
“It will be coordinated by Father John Bunay. I also ask all parents to properly foster children from an early age. Earlier my nephew carries the Bishop’s writing. Such children’s aspirations must be supported by parents,” he said. (*)
