Church farewells nuncio

APOSTOLIC nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal says he will keep Papua New Guinea close to his heart.
Archbishop Kurian made this known at his farewell held at the St Joseph’s Catholic parish in Port Moresby last Saturday.
The apostolic nuncio is scheduled to leave PNG to take up his new assignment in Algeria and Tunisia by the end of the month.
He thanked the people for their openness, appreciated the bishops for their dedication and sacrifices and requested prayers that he may be a good instrument in the hands of the Lord.
Archbishop of Port Moresby Cardinal Sir John Ribat, celebrated the Eucharist.
Co-celebrating with him was Archbishop Kurian emeritus, Archbishop Francesco Panfilo and several priests of the archdiocese of Port Moresby.
Apostolic Archbishop Kurian referring to the Gospel of Mark 1:25-3, urged the congregation to strike a balance between their pastoral ministry and their prayer life.
“Maintain a balance between your active and your spiritual life,” he said.
Leading the people to dwell on the shepherd verbs: to see, have compassion and teach, he encouraged all to share happiness, bring a smile and transform the lives of others by their actions. At a gathering following the eucharist celebration, president of the Catholic Professionals Society, Paul Harricknen, laity representative Greg Soweni; Catholic women religious POM president, Sr Techla Katkata, and Cardinal Ribat represented the different groups gathered at the celebrations.