Sisters mark anniversary

Faith

THE Rosary Sisters of Wewak, East Sepik, recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of their order’s existence in Papua New Guinea (1951-2021).
Cardinal Sir John Ribat was the main celebrant during the Eucharist hosted at the Wewak diocese’s saunsel.
About 2,000 Catholic faithful from various dioceses in the country attended the celebration.
Fr Victor Roche, a member of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), who worked with the Rosary Sisters for 10 years (1981-1991) gave the homily.
The choir was lively and the processional dances were by parishes in which the Rosary Sisters had vocations.
It was followed by lunch served in the Rosary Sisters Mother House.
The celebration of the 70th anniversary started on Sunday with the opening Eucharist by Fr Bernard Burite, parish priest of Wirui.
For three nights, there were speeches, dramas, songs, dances and poems by different groups about the congregation.
The congregation of the Rosary Sisters was started by the late Archbishop Leo Arkfeld, SVD, on Oct 7, 1951, with seven young women from the East Sepik.
From a humble beginning, the congregation has grown strong with 38 professed sisters.
They are serving as teachers, nurses and pastoral workers in four dioceses: Wewak, Wabag, Kiunga and Lae.
It was also the occasion of golden jubilees, first vows and final vows in the special presence of Bishop Roszynski. The following were recognised: Golden Jubilee (50 years of service) – Sr Regina Supo, Sr Coronota Timbrume and Sr Frances Rupai; Final Vows – Sr Sheba Niawafi, Sr Augusta Huria, Sr Zita Kalimbanke; First Vows – Sr Ruth Yakufa. Mother-General Sr Roberta Mosi said she was happy that their small congregation had reached the milestone of 70 years.
“Though we are small in number, our sisters are committed to the tasks given to them,” she said.
“They go through lots of challenges because they serve in remote areas of the country.
“It is a life of sacrifice.
“We pray to God for more vocations to our congregation,” Mosi said.