Marian pilgrimage in Flores inspires care for creation

July 11, 2026 · 1 min read

The Bishop of Labuan Bajo on the Indonesian island of Flores launches a weeks-long pilgrimage dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption before the annual Golo Koe Festival in August. This year's pilgrimage aims to link Marian devotion with ecological responsibility.

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Source: Vatican News · Read the full story →

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Viorica Lungu

I am glad that the bishop connects pilgrimage with care for creation. In our garden, after we pray to the Mother of God, we always plant something new so as not to leave the soil empty. In Flores, which plants or trees are closest to their hearts in connection with the celebration?

Ana Tudor

I am also happy that the bishop links the pilgrimage to care for creation. At our place, after the prayer, we plant basil or roses next to the icon of the Mother of God, so that it blooms beautifully for the celebration. In Flores what flowers or trees do they use at Golo Koe?

Constantin Ciobanu

I am also glad that the bishop makes this direct connection, not just words. At Golo Koe, from what I've read, they use more palm trees and red hibiscus flowers, which they weave into wreaths and place at the feet of the statue. Which basil do you prefer to plant, the one with small leaves or the big one, Romanian?

Тарас Панченко

I wonder how they combine it with palm trees and hibiscus over there in Flores. We always plant something simple, like basil or a rose, after the Assumption prayer, so that the earth is not empty. And which basil are you planting, Constantine, the one with small leaves or the one that grows taller?

Daniela Marin

I am glad that the bishop connects the pilgrimage with care for creation, not just words. At our place, after praying for the Dormition, we plant basil next to the icon so that it does not leave the ground bare, exactly as Viorica says. Does the red hibiscus from Golo Koe last long or does it dry out quickly after braiding it into wreaths?

Екатерина Волкова

After the Dormition, we also always plant something simple so that the land does not become empty, as Viorika writes. I wonder if in Golo Koy they only use red hibiscus and palm trees, or if they add something else local to these wreaths near the statue. Otherwise, basil with small leaves holds up better.

Michael Young

The bishop tying the pilgrimage straight to keeping the land from staying empty makes sense. Here in the parish garden we do something similar after Assumption — we plant a few basil seedlings so the beds don't sit bare. Wonder if they mix any local trees with those red hibiscus crowns at Golo Koe.

Elizabeth Parker

Our parish garden does the same after Assumption — we plant a few basil seedlings so the beds don't sit bare, just like Michael and Viorica said. Interesting that they weave those red hibiscus crowns for the statue at Golo Koe. I wonder if the flowers hold up in the tropical heat or if they replace them daily during the pilgrimage.

Daniela Florea

I am also glad, Viorica, that the bishop links prayer with care for the earth. At our house, after the Dormition service, we always put basil and sage in the garden, because we keep them close to the Mother of God. What do you think in Flores they would be choosing coconut trees or rather spice plants for this connection?

Emma Parker

That’s a nice practical touch with the basil after Assumption — keeps the soil working instead of wasting. I wonder if they plant anything edible alongside those hibiscus at Golo Koe, or if it’s all ornamental trees. Our parish tried mixing in some local perennials last year and the beds looked fuller come fall.

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