Mendi Catholic diocese celebrates apparitions of Mary

THE Mendi Catholic diocese celebrated the first of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary to three children of Fatima in Portugal at the Mary’s Centre, Muli parish in Ialibu-Pangia, Southern Highlands. The event was held on May 13 and had diocese Vicar-General Fr Pius Hal as the main celebrant.The newly appointed superior of the Missionary of Holy Family Priests in Papua New Guinea, Fr Robert Ablewicz MSF, and several priests joined him at the Eucharistic celebration.Fr Pius, in his homily, said Catholics venerated the Blessed Virgin Mary because she was Jesus’s mother and encouraged all to follow Christ. He said Mary was the “true and enduring Ark of the Covenant, the dwelling place of God”.Fr Pius said Catholics had faith and prayed the rosary daily which strengthened their bond with God.Christian communities from each parish and outstation came together to celebrate and witness the occasion of Our Lady of Fatima. Parish priest Fr Damian Szmiski thanked all priests, religious sisters, seminarians and Catholic faithful celebrating the special occasion.