Long-serving Catholic bishop farewelled

National
Archbishop Francesco Panfilo receiving gifts from church members during a farewell ceremony at Vunapope, Rabaul, recently. – Picture supplied

LONG-serving Catholic bishop Francesco Panfilo was farewelled in Vunapope, Rabaul, East New Britain, recently.
Retiring archbishop Panfilo, served in Papua New Guinea for 23 years, nine of those years as a bishop in the Alotau diocese (Milne Bay) and 10 as head of the archdiocese of Rabaul.
His missionary journey began in the Philippines where he spent 32 years before coming to PNG.
Archbishop Panfilo took Duc in altum as his theme – an “invitation to remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence” (Novo Millennio Ineunte1).
“Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the archdiocese of Rabaul, was a time for all the laity, consecrated persons and clergy, to assess our fervour and find fresh enthusiasm for our spiritual and pastoral responsibilities,” he said.
He encouraged his flock to strive for holiness, give importance to prayer, to the Sunday eucharist and to listen to and proclaim God’s word.
Archbishop Panfilo was commended for his pastoral work which included going to communities in his diocese and province and promoting Christian and developmental causes.
He was with the people to celebrate sacraments, mentor novices and oversee ordinations and listen to struggles and responded to their pains in both spiritual and material ways.