On May 22, 1894, a significant chapter in the religious history of Papua began when Jesuit missionary Father Cornelis Le Cocq d’Armandville arrived in Sekru, a coastal village in Fakfak, Papua Barat. This event marked the introduction of Catholicism to the island, a milestone that would shape the region’s spiritual and educational landscape.
A Missionary’s Journey
Father Le Cocq’s journey to Papua was part of a broader Jesuit mission to spread Christianity in the East Indies. After serving in the Maluku Islands, he embarked on a voyage that led him to Sekru. Upon arrival, he was welcomed by the local Muslim community, who, despite their own faith, directed him to the inland village of Torea, where the population had not yet embraced any religion. There, Father Le Cocq began his mission, baptizing 73 individuals over ten days. The first baptism was performed using water from a well he had dug himself, a site that remains a historical landmark today.
Catholicism’s Early Footprints
The Catholic mission in Papua was not just about religious conversion; it laid the groundwork for education and community development. Father Le Cocq established a mission station in Sekru, which later expanded to other areas like Kapaur and Kokonao. He also initiated the construction of schools, providing education to the indigenous Papuans. This educational endeavor was pivotal in a region where access to formal education was limited.
Legacy and Recognition
The significance of May 22, 1894, as the day Catholicism was introduced to Papua was officially recognized during the 130th-anniversary celebration in 2024. Held in Sekru, the event was attended by religious leaders and the local community, underscoring the enduring impact of Father Le Cocq’s mission. This day has since been commemorated annually, reflecting on the historical journey of Catholicism in Papua and its contributions to the region’s development.
Conclusion
Father Cornelis Le Cocq d’Armandville’s arrival in Sekru on May 22, 1894, was more than the beginning of a religious mission; it was the inception of a transformative journey that intertwined faith, education, and community development in Papua.His legacy continues to inspire and shape the spiritual and educational landscape of the region.
