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Dimar People of South Papua Offer Land for Marian Shrine on SVD’s 150th Anniversary
Yanto Lobo, SVD
This gift carries deep meaning. For the Dimar People, the shrine will be a place where Mary protects and accompanies all the faithful. At the same time, it is their contribution to mark 150 years of the SVD’s missionary presence in the world, and particularly in Papua. The Marian Shrine is intended for everyone—not only for parishioners but also for all who wish to stop and pray. Its location, near the Merauke–Boven Digoel road, makes it accessible as a place of rest and encounter with God.
Mr. Longginus Dimar, leader of the Yanggandur clan, explained:
“We gave this land to coincide with the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the SVD. This is our gift to the congregation that has been working with us here. In the future, it will become a holy place. We also have the responsibility to care for it. May Mary always protect and guide this place.”
Fr. Simon Sido, SVD, parish priest of Saint Arnold Janssen Parish, expressed deep gratitude to the Dimar People for their generosity:
“On September 8, as the SVD marks its jubilee year, the Church also celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This gift is truly a blessing from Mother Mary to our parish. May this land become a sacred place of prayer and a pilgrimage site for all.”
The shrine, once built, will stand as a sign of collaboration between the indigenous community and the SVD missionaries. It will not only commemorate the congregation’s 150-year journey but also embody the hope that Mary continues to accompany the Church and the people of Papua in faith, unity, and peace.
