Sir John Ribat ordains new bishop in Lae

MORE than 200 guests arrived in Lae from India, the Unite States, Kiunga and Port Moresby on Saturday to attend the episcopal ordination of the new Bishop for the Catholic Diocese of Lae.
Bishop-elect Reverend Rozario Menezes, from India, was appointed on October 10 by Pope Francis.
He was consecrated as the third Bishop of the Lae Diocese by Cardinal Sir John Ribat.
Rev Kurian Vayalunkal pronounced the Apostolic Nuncio and homily.
Bishop Christian Blouin, the outgoing administrator of the diocese, said 3000 to 4000 parishioners took part in the Eucharistic celebration at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School hall in Eriku.
Blouin described Menezes as a very active member of the Catholic Mission in PNG.
“He served in the Diocese of Daru, Kiunga, and also at Morata in Port Moresby before he went to Rome.”
“He became the assistant general of the Monfort Congregation in Rome, before he was given the new role.”
He said Menezes should also be credited for his role and efforts in serving the Catholic Bishops Conference. The Lae diocese has 18 parishes and 16 out stations and sub parishes in Morobe.
Blouin, who is the second bishop with more than 11 years of service, handed over the role.
He will be retiring to his homeland of Canada next year.
“The Diocese of Lae has more than 40,000 Catholics.
“I am happy to have served the diocese, I am happy for what I have done,” he said.
He said his one wish was “to see more support and respect for women, and that violence against women will end”.