Catholic diocese consecrates new bishop

BISHOP Joseph Durero was consecrated as the third bishop of the Catholic diocese of Daru-Kiunga in Western last Sunday.
“Let’s praise and thank God,” Bishop Joseph said as he thanked God for the 62 years of worship by the people.
“The presence of God and Mary is visible in a people journeying and united together.”
His motto is: Love, honesty and trust.
“I trust that this mission can be achieved by upholding the motto because love changes everything and conquers all,” he said.
Bishop Durero was born on April 13, 1968, and ordained as a priest on Dec 12, 1995.
He was appointed Bishop on May 23, 2021. The consecration was held at the St Gerard Cathedral in Kiunga.
Archbishop of Port Moresby Cardinal Sir John Ribat was the main celebrant at the episcopal ordination.
Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez and Rev Gilles Côté were the co-consecrators.
They were joined by nine bishops from different dioceses.
Dressed in traditional bilas, the Awin-Aekyom, Yougom, Boazi, Kiwai (Bamu, Gogodala), Min and Madang people, teachers and students accompanied the eucharistic processions.
In his homily, Bishop Gilles Côté said the position of bishop was intended to be that of service and not of power.
He urged Bishop Durero to become a servant-leader prepared to walk with his people.
Apostolic Nuncio Rodriguez described the occasion as “God’s goodness”.
“Guided by faith, trust and hope may God guide you to journey with your people and be a true and faithful pastor,” he said.