Hironimus Pakaenoni

Hironimus Pakaenoni (born 14 April 1969) is an Indonesian prelate of the Catholic Church who is the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kupang since 2024.

Early life and education
Hironimus Pakaenoni was born on 14 April 1969 in Noemuti, Kefamenanu, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. He began his formal education at Maria Immaculata Lalian, a minor seminary in Atambua, where he studied from 1985 to 1989.

Following his time at the minor seminary, Hironimus pursued further studies at the Institute of Philosophy and Creative Technology (IFTK) (formerly known as the Ledalero Catholic Philosophy School) in Maumere, Flores, from 1990 to 1994.

After completing his philosophical studies, Hironimus proceeded to theological studies from 1995 to 1997.

Ordination and ministry
Hironimus was ordained a deacon on 27 April 1997, and later ordained a priest on 8 September 1997 by Archbishop Peter Turang.

After his ordination, Hironimus initially served as a parish vicar at the Parish of St. Mary of the Assumption in Kupang from 1997 to 1999, followed by the role of parish priest at the St. Petrus Community in Sulamu, Kupang, from 1999 to 2001. He pursued further studies and earned a licentiate in dogmatic theology from the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, Italy, between 2001 and 2003. Subsequently, he held positions as a parish vicar at St. Gregory the Great in Oloeta from 2003 to 2004, and as a formator at the St. Michael Interdiocesan Major Seminary in Kupang.

Hironimus also served as a lecturer in dogmatic theology at the Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira in Kupang from 2004 onwards. He was also the dean of the Faculty of Philosophy of Religion at the same university from 2010 to 2018, and chairing the Swastisari Educational Foundation from 2012 to 2023.

Archbishop of Kupang
On 9 March 2024, Pope Francis appointed Hironimus as the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kupang, succeeding the retiring Archbishop Peter Turang. His episcopal consecration was held on 9 May 2024. Hironimus' chosen motto was "Pasce Oves Meas", Latin for "Feed My Sheep".