Charles Lwanga parish greets Catholic bishops

The National Weekender

By HARLYNE JOKU
A blend of Catholic faith and PNG culture and hospitality made the day a success for visiting Bishops from Oceania at Gerehu’s St Charles Lwanga Parish on Monday this week.
Traditional highlands dancers with brightly painted faces clad in striking Jiwaka and Ialibu attire greeted a large group of bishops all dressed in white and led them into mass.
About 80 bishops from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu and other Pacific Island countries were in Port Moresby for the Federation of Bishops Conference (FCBCO) assembly.
As they celebrated mass, the bishops looked reverent in their white robes and light almost pink skull caps.
The Catholic Archbishop of Fiji Peter Chung gave a brief homily with a special message to people living with disabilities (PLWDs) saying that Jesus died on the cross because He loved special people like them and wanted to save them. He called the PLWDs up to the front of the church and blessed them.
After mass the bishops spent time with local parishioners including women, children and PLWDs and prayed for them.
Kairuku traditional dancers entertained them during refreshments. Several bishops joined in the entertainment and asked to have photos taken with the traditional participants.
The Bishop of Port Villa, Vanuatu John Bosco said they were impressed with the warm welcome and hospitality of Papua New Guineans since their arrival, and especially at St Charles Lwanga.
“We hear so much negative publicity about PNG abroad but when we get on ground the people here are very welcoming and hospitable.
“Papua New Guineans have a diversity of culture and ethnicity but the fact that they blend together as a nation gives a good image of the church.
“This is so splendid!” Bishop Bosco described the day.
The Auxcillary Bishop of Melbourne, Mark Edwards expressed the same sentiments.
As for the local Catholics at St Charles Lwanga, Gerehu, they felt blessed to have been chosen to host the event.
Chairman of the Highlands group of Catholics who organised the event Louis Yandeken thanked the men, women and children in his group for their hard work and effort in making the event a success.

  •  Harlyne Joku is a freelance journalist