Archbishop elected president

ARCHBISHOP Anton Bal, of the Madang Archdiocese, is the newly-elected president of the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of PNG and the Solomon Islands.
This was made known after the CBC ended its 61st annual general meeting with a thanksgiving Holy Eucharist in Port Moresby on Thursday.
Bishop Otto Separy, of the Bereina diocese, Central, was elected vice-president of the CBC of PNG and the Solomon Islands. Held at the CBC head office, the Eucharist marked the life and example of Martyr Blessed Peter Torot, on the 25th year of his beatification and the 75th anniversary of his martyrdom.
Rabaul Archbishop Rochus Tatamai, a close family descendent of ToRot, gave a homily highlighting the life, witness and example of Torot.
Archbishop Tatamai recollected the life of ToRot from the time his parents became the first-generation Christians when the missionaries landed on Matupit in 1882.
He said ToRot was a second-generation Christian following in the footsteps of his parents.
He said ToRot stood and died for his faith after some family members betrayed him.
He said the laity in particular was challenged to continue with the life and work of ToRot, especially in today’s challenging and uncertain times.
The liturgy choir was jointly organised by the Mary Queen of Pacific parish and the Peter ToRot Foundation.
About 50 people, including 17 bishops, two administrators, CBC staff, clergy, religious and laity faithful attended the celebration.
The Holy Mass was led by Archbishop Bal, who was joined by Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Archbishop Tatamai and Bishop Separy.
CBC staff presented gifts to Archbishop Emeritus Francisco Panfilo, who was attending his last AGM of the Bishops.
He was given a farewell commendation for his servant leadership to the people of Alotau-Sideia, Rabaul and PNG.
Archbisphop Panfillo was affectionately described as “the voice of the voiceless and a beacon of hope for the little people”.