Parish aims to change suburb

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN

THE Saint Martin De Porres Parish at Morata, in the National Capital District, has taken up the challenge to transform the suburb into a friendly and safe place. 

This was demonstrated on Sunday when the parish celebrated its feast day, an annual event that celebrates the life of Saint Martin De Porres, a child of a slave who lived a life of giving and caring for the poor. 

Parish priest Father Rozario Menezes said while the feast day celebrated the life of the saint every year, the parish decided to use the event to reach out to the different societies in Morata by sharing with them food and the Gospel. 

He said the parish was taking the first step to transform the suburb into a city of God. 

“We aim to reach out to others and bring them a step closer to God,” he said. 

“We want to witness and demonstrate to others the love of God through singing, dancing and fellowship. And we intend to make it a special place where God’s love can reach every man.” 

Followers from parishes in Port Moresby joined the Saint Martin parish  community in a refreshing session of worship and singing before sharing food. 

The congregation was blessed with the presence of Port Moresby Archbishop John Ribat, Bougainville Diocese Bishop Benard Unabali, Kerema-Kiunga Diocese Gilles Lote’ and other church leaders.