Catholic nuns thanked

 THE Southern Highlands provincial government has hailed the Catholic church for its contribution to development and growth in the province and the country.

 Governor William Powi commended the church for partnering the government in delivering services throughout the country, especially in remote areas.

He said this during the silver jubilee or 50 years celebrations of three Swiss nuns, sisters Lucas, Damencina and Gaudentia Meier from the Divine Providence Franciscan who served the people of Southern Highlands since 1963.

“I was brought up through the Catholic church and know the untiring work of the missionaries who sacrificed and dedicated their service to God, the people of Southern Highlands and PNG,” Powi, who was educated at the St Fidelis Catholic Seminary in Madang, said. 

“On behalf of the people of Southern Highlands, the provincial government and my family, I pay special tribute to the three sisters and to other missionaries that have died.”

The governor thanked the Catholic nuns for their commitment and service to his people.

He added that his government was committed to working with the churches to provide much needed services to the people in the province.

During the celebrations, 22 pigs and two cows were slaughtered for a traditional feast to mark the event.

Local leader Bamu Ramu also paid tribute to the three nuns for contributions and services to the Det and Poroma areas. He also donated two cows from his farm for the event. 

Bishop of Mendi Donald Lipper also hailed the three nuns for their 50 years of service to Southern Highlands.