1,300 priests, religious from Indonesian island serve as missionaries (Fides)

About 1,300 priests and religious sisters from the Indonesian island of Flores have left their home to serve as missionaries in other countries, according to Bishop Yohanes Hans Monteiro of Larantuka.

The group consists of 1,000 priests and 300 religious sisters. Bishop Monteiro told the Fides News Agency that the island is also dealing with the aftermath of a severe earthquake that occurred six weeks ago. He noted that some faithful have become internally displaced after fleeing their homes and expressed concern for people living in precarious conditions throughout the region.