Father Herman Josef May, CSsR
Father Herman Joseph May, CSsR, was a Redemptorist missionary from Germany who played a crucial role in establishing and developing various ecclesiastical and social institutions in Sumba. He first set foot in Sumba on October 11, 1976.
As a missionary with a robust pastoral spirit, Father Herman was involved in founding the Pastoral Center (PusPas) in Katiku Loku in 1980. PusPas, which he directed until 2002, became the hub of pastoral activities in the Diocese of Weetebula, serving as a place for the preparation and processing of pastoral programs and liturgy to support the spiritual growth of the community. During his leadership, PusPas developed into a training center for catechists, community leaders, and laypeople seeking to deepen their roles within the church and society.
In addition, in 1986, together with Father Franz Pfitzer, CSsR, and Father Wilhelm Lang, CSsR, Father Herman established the Redemptorist Parish Mission Academy (SAMUR), an institution focused on studying and preparing for parish missions. SAMUR was specifically designed as a hallmark initiative of the Redemptorists to support communities in building grassroots networks, preparing lay leaders, and fostering a strong missionary spirit among community leaders.
In 1994, Father Herman furthered his efforts by founding two Kolping Families, which continues to focus on empowering families and communities, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Through Kolping, Father Herman established Kolping Families networks in Sumba, Flores, and Timor. The programs he designed included child support, youth education, and skills and entrepreneurship training for community members. This initiative became a tangible manifestation of Kolping’s spirit, which emphasizes strengthening families as the primary foundation for societal development.
However, in July 2018, declining health forced Father Herman to return to Germany for medical treatment. He was not permitted to return to Sumba and had to stay in the Redemptorist elderly home in Köln Ehrenfeld. Ultimately, on June 7, 2020, he passed away there.
Rest in Peace, Fr Herman