By Courtney Mares, Catholic News Agency
THE first Indonesian American to be ordained a Catholic priest in the United States is excited for Pope Francis’ visit to his native country, where, he says, “the faith is so alive.”
Father Miguel Marie, a Franciscan Missionary of the Eternal Word, was born in West Java, Indonesia, and emigrated to northern California with his family at the age of 12.
The Franciscan friar celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood this year, which was a historic first for the 129,000-strong Indonesian American diaspora in the U.S.
The priest, who currently serves at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Hanceville, Alabama, highlighted the significance of the pope’s trip in light of the fact that Indonesia is the most populated Muslim country in the world.
While the country’s population is 87% Muslim, more than 29 million Christians live in Indonesia. Pew Research Center found Indonesians to be among the most religious people in the world in its 2019 report called “The Global God Divide.”
“These people are really practicing their faith,” Father Miguel said. It is not uncommon to find churches are full on Sundays in Indonesia, where the Mass attendance rate is higher than in many European countries.
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