ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Wilhelmus Demarteau (1917-2012) was a Dutch Catholic prelate who served as Bishop of Banjarmasin from 1954 to 1983. Born in Horn, Netherlands on January 24, 1917, he was ordained a priest by the Congregation of Missionaries of the Holy Family on July 27, 1941.

Demarteau's career took him to Indonesia, where he became apostolic vicar of Banjarmasin and titular bishop of Arsinoe of Cyprus in January 1954. He was consecrated as bishop on May 6, 1954, alongside the Apostolic Nuncio in Indonesia, the titular Archbishop of Mystia Georges-Marie-Jose de Jongue Ardoyer, and other high-ranking officials from various Catholic dioceses.

During his tenure, Demarteau participated in four sessions of the Second Vatican Council, a significant event in modern Catholic history. He also played an active role as a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Family congregation, which aimed to spread Christianity through missionary work.

Demarteau's time as bishop was marked by several notable appointments and consecrations. In addition to his duties as apostolic vicar of Banjarmasin, he held various titular positions, including that of Apostolic Vicar of Dutch Borneo and Semaranga. His dedication to the Catholic faith led him to serve in these roles until January 6, 1983, when he resigned.

Demarteau passed away on December 5, 2012, in Banjarmasina, Indonesia, leaving behind a legacy as a devoted servant of the Catholic Church.