Society
Of The Divine Word

The inauguration, held on Monday (22/09/2025) at Aula St. Hendrikus, 4th floor of the Rectorate Building in Penfui, marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of East Nusa Tenggara’s leading Catholic universities.

Affectionately known as Fr. Stef, he succeeds Very Rev. Dr. Philipus Tule, SVD, who guided UNWIRA for two consecutive terms (2017–2021 and 2021–2025). With his appointment, Fr. Lio becomes the seventh rector of the university, entrusted with carrying forward its mission of academic excellence, service, and Catholic identity inspired by the spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen, founder of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD).

Ceremony and Symbolism
The inauguration was presided over by Rev. Dr. Ubaldus Djonda, SVD, M.A., Chairman of the Catholic Education Foundation Arnoldus (YAPENKAR), UNWIRA’s governing body. Present were Bro. Salomon Leki, SVD, Provincial of the SVD Timor Province (IDT), along with fellow SVD confreres, the SSpS sisters, diocesan clergy, academic partners, and the university community.

In his remarks, Fr. Djonda emphasized that the rector’s role is not only administrative but also spiritual. “YAPENKAR expects the new rector to remain faithful to the vision, mission, and spirituality of St. Arnold Janssen. UNWIRA must be a common home where the good of the university stands above personal or group interests,” he declared.

He also commended outgoing rector Fr. Tule, whose leadership produced over 11,000 graduates now contributing to diverse fields in Indonesia and abroad.

Academic Growth and Government Partnership
Antonius Fahik, S.IP., M.A., representing LLDIKTI Region XV, lauded UNWIRA’s progress in governance, research, and transformation. He outlined five higher education priorities aligned with UNWIRA’s mission: program accreditation, research development, impactful community service, career support for academics, and the upholding of moral integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor of NTT, Provincial Secretary Kosmas D. Lana pledged continued collaboration with UNWIRA. “Education must bring fullness of life, not only in knowledge but also in faith, hope, and love. This transition of leadership is an opportunity to renew our shared commitment to be a light in a changing world,” he said.

Rector’s Vision: Education as Mission
In his inaugural address, Fr. Lio emphasized that the rectorship is more than administration—it is a spiritual vocation. “The call to serve is a moral responsibility to uphold academic integrity, justice, and inclusiveness. Spiritually, it is a call to be a servant for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the wider community,” he declared.

Drawing on UNWIRA’s motto “Ut Vitam Habeant Abundantius” (“That They May Have Life in Abundance”), he stressed that education must bring dignity and abundance of life to society. “Knowledge, research, and community service are not for ourselves but as instruments to reveal the love of God to the world,” he said, invoking the legacy of St. Arnold Janssen.

Facing Challenges Together
Acknowledging the increasingly complex challenges in higher education, Fr. Lio underscored the importance of collaboration both internally and externally. He called upon UNWIRA’s academic community to embrace innovation while remaining grounded in its Catholic identity.

“Together, we must dream boldly, work with faith, and remain open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In this way, UNWIRA will continue to fulfill its mission to bring abundant life to the youth of NTT, the Church, and the nation,” he concluded.

Looking Ahead
The inauguration of Fr. Stefanus Lio as rector is not only a leadership transition but also a renewal of vision and mission. Guided by faith, UNWIRA aims to strengthen academic excellence, expand its research impact, and deepen its service to society while staying true to its Catholic identity.

For the UNWIRA community, this moment is both a celebration of past achievements and a hopeful step toward the future—a future where graduates embody intellectual brilliance, professional competence, compassion, integrity, and service.

As the university’s motto reminds, UNWIRA exists “so that all may have life, and have it abundantly.” Under new leadership, this mission is as urgent and relevant as ever.