Catholic professionals hold dedication service

THE Catholic Professionals Society (CPS) held its 2020 dedication Eucharistic celebration at the St Joseph’s Parish, Boroko, Port Moresby last Saturday.
The dedication mass at the start of the year, and the thanksgiving mass at the end of the year, are two important events for the society.
The mass was celebrated by CPS spiritual director Fr Ambrose Pereira and co-celebrated by St Joseph parish priest Fr Francis Xavier Chennampally.
More than 30 members and their families attended the celebrations.
Daughter of Our Lady of the Sacred (OLSH) Provincial Sr Relida Gumur, Sisters, Laity commission secretary Eva Wangihama, Catholic Bishops Conference general secretary Fr Giorgio Licini, and newly-appointed Judge of the National and Supreme Courts, a devout Catholic himself Dr Vergil Narokobi were among guests present.
In a small but significant celebration, members of the society took their oaths and pledged to serve the church and society through their professions, gifts, talents and experiences.
Candles were lit and carried to symbolise their commitment to be a light and living witnesses of the Catholic faith.
Fr Pereira and Fr Chennampally presented each member with a “cross of courage” and commissioned them to go out to the world with the zeal of courage to bear witness to the faith.
The members were challenged and encouraged to model their lives on the life of Blessed Peter ToRot, who was a married man, catechist and martyr.
“We must be transmitters of the faith,” Fr Pereira said.
“Finding ways to transmit the faith to your children is the big challenge of Pope Francis to each of us.”
For Catholic professionals, Fr Pereira stressed four main areas – all life is sacred, every action and work is holy, Catholic professionals have a unique ministry and they are called to go out and evangelise. He said the country required the stable presence of mature lay leaders endowed with authority.
“The church needs to be present at every level and this can only be possible through the vigorous, broad and active involvement of the laity.”
Society president Paul Harricknen, on behalf of the executive committee thanked all members, their families and guests who attended.