[5]
By Portland Archdiocese [6],
The Indonesian Catholic Community of Oregon (KKIOR) celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special Mass with Archbishop Alexander Sample on Sunday, October 18, at St. Michael the Archangel Parish in downtown Portland. KKIOR began in 2001, when Indonesian Catholics gathered in one another’s homes to pray the Rosary and share their faith. In 2002, the community formally connected with the Archdiocese of Portland and began celebrating monthly Masses at parishes throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
Catholicism has a history in Indonesia dating to the 16th century, when Portuguese missionaries brought the faith to parts of the archipelago. St. Francis Xavier preached in the Moluccas in 1546. Today, Catholics make up about 3 percent of Indonesia’s population, while about 87 percent identify as Muslim, according to 2024 administrative data.
With the support of then-Archbishop John Vlazny, St. Michael the Archangel became the community’s spiritual home. In 2020, KKIOR welcomed Father Leo Humber, who serves at the National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother, known as The Grotto. Father Humber, the only Indonesian priest serving in Oregon, has helped nurture the community’s faith. KKIOR celebrates Mass at 2:00 PM on the third Sunday of each month at St. Michael the Archangel. In months with a fifth Sunday, the community also celebrates Mass at 2:00 PM at The Grotto.
After Mass, members gather to share Indonesian food and spend time together. These gatherings help strengthen community ties and pass on Indonesian heritage to younger generations. Visitors are welcome to join the Mass and fellowship. The anniversary Mass offered an opportunity to give thanks for the community’s 25 years and recognize its founders and all who have helped sustain it. What began with prayer in members’ homes has grown into a community rooted in Catholic faith and Indonesian culture.