By LiCAS News
The Archdiocese of Ende has launched a new pastoral initiative urging Catholic parents to take a more active role in nurturing and protecting children during their early years.
INDONESIA — The Parents’ Care for Early Childhood Movement was formally inaugurated on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at St. Joseph Freinademetz Parish Church in Mautapaga, Ende, during a diocesan celebration that began with the Eucharist.
Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, presided over the Mass together with priests serving across the archdiocese, according to MIRIFICA News, the official news service of the Catholic bishops of Indonesia.
The official launch followed the liturgy, marked by the striking of a gong and the release of balloons, symbolizing the start of the movement in all parishes of the archdiocese.
Addressing the faithful, Archbishop Kleden said the initiative builds on the archdiocese’s ongoing pastoral commitment to family life, particularly mothers and children.
He recalled two existing programs: the Basic Ecclesial Community (KUB) Care for Pregnant Mothers Movement and the Child-Friendly KUB Movement.
“My beloved brothers and sisters of the Archdiocese of Ende. Greetings of fraternal love. As a diocese, we are currently carrying out two important movements: the KUB Care for Pregnant Mothers Movement and the Child-Friendly KUB Movement,” he said. “This year, while continuing these two movements, we are beginning the parents’ care for early childhood movement.”
The archbishop said launching the initiative during the Christmas season was meant to deepen reflection on the meaning of a child’s presence within the family.
“The Christmas season sharpens our awareness and softens our hearts to look at the family, especially the baby born in Bethlehem,” he said. “Like the baby of Bethlehem, all infants and young children need attention and protection.”
He stressed that early childhood development depends on love, presence, and parental attention, warning against overreliance on technology.
“Therefore, young children need the warmth of love and attention from their parents, which can never be replaced by communication devices such as mobile phones,” Archbishop Kleden said. “Let our children learn as much as possible from us the important values of life, rather than primarily from machines and devices.”
He called on families to prioritize time and togetherness with children, especially during their formative years.
“Give your time and attention to children, especially when they are in their early years,” he said. “Let us move together to realize the parents’ care for early childhood movement. May God bless us all.”
Church officials said the movement aims to encourage Catholic families in the Archdiocese of Ende to strengthen the home as a place for the growth of faith, love, and character, supporting children’s physical, spiritual, and social development.
