Here in the reality of hardship and difficulties in life with our brothers
and sisters in Papua New Guinea, we are called to be PASSIONISTS…to be and to
live as messengers of HOPE…to give to others, and receive from them, a way of
claiming again the PASSION FOR LIFE - not in necessarily doing or taking up
anything extraordinary, but in the ordinary daily routine and contacts in
ministry, and in the relationships that we are all involved with.
PASPAC
Mission – Chapter Two
After
a whole year of expectant and patient waiting because of the processing of
permits and documents, the Vicariate was delighted recently to welcome the two
new missionaries from the Philippines Province for mission in PNG.
Fr Brando Recana
and Fr Antero (Bong) Natividad arrived in Port Moresby in the early hours
of Thursday morning, 31st October 2002. They were accompanied by Fr
Gabriel Baldostamon, a member of the Provincial Council.
So great was our delight that a welcome party for the new arrivals was
held that evening at the Passionist residence in Boroko, in the company of three
specially invited guests: Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana (Apostolic
Nuncio), himself a Filipino, Br John McGeachie, CP and Julian Kairuku,
both of Dove Travel.
This is the second chapter of the collaboration of a PASPAC Province with
much needed personnel for the PNG Vicariate. The first chapter in this
historical moment was the arrival of Fr Valensius Son and Fr
Markus Adu from Indonesia in January
of this year. After six months of “grounding” in the culture, learning
Pidgin, and some experience of ministry in Vanimo, Markus and Valensius are now
based in Boroko (Port Moresby) where they are undergoing English studies with Sr
Saint Francis, OLSH. Recently they
have also been asked to be part of a team of teachers to teach basic Indonesian
to groups of Papua New Guineans. This is organised by the Indonesian Embassy in
PortMoresby.
Meanwhile, I have asked Fr Brando to be assistantto Fr Aidan
Kay in St Joseph’s Parish, Boroko; and I have asked Fr
Bong to team up with Fr
Paul Mercieca in Baro Parish,
Vanimo.
We were also happy to welcome the weekend visit of Fr Gabriel to the House
of Prayer in Wewak. Gabriel, together with Fr Felix Kialoi
and myself, shared a pleasant evening with Sr Jo Taylor, CP at
her home. In all, Gabriel spent a week in PNG before returning to the
Philippines. During his week, Gabriel showed keen interest and desire to return
to PNG…on a more permanent basis? Will it be Part One of Chapter Two?
General
Synod – Korea
From
25 September to 7 October 2002, I was fortunate to have had the experience to
participate in the General Synod held in Gwangju, South Korea. I thank Fr Ottaviano D’Egidio, CP (Superior General) for the invitation. As always,
gatherings such as these are usually enjoyable events simply from the
perspective of fraternity. It was nice to meet Passionists from around the
Congregation, some of whom I have met and known before from my involvement in
the 1994 General Chapter and PASPAC meetings, but also to meet new faces.
The Synod reflected on the theme of “Formation”. There was some rich
material presented by five speakers for our reflection and discussions on
matters of formation and the “Memoria Passionis”. Issues concerning
“Re-foundation” and “Re-structuring” were also prominent. What spoke
strongly to me was the hope and commitment of our Passionist vocation which was
evident in the brothers gathered and in their sharing of life and ministry back
home…the variety of ways in which the “Memoria Passionis” is lived.
As a Standing Committee member and vice-Chairman of PASPAC, I was happy to
be present at the declaration and elevation of the Korean Vice-Province to the
status of Province. It was good to be present and personally congratulate the
Provincial, Fr Augustine Kim, CP and the members
of the new Province on this historical and happy occasion and to convey the best
wishes of our Vicariate.
Moving
on
§After almost two years assignment
in the Vicariate, Fr Peter Gardiner returned to Australia in mid October.
Peter spent most of his time in Vanimo Diocese, assisting in the parishes of
Baro and Ossima. Since August, Peter was helping out in the community at Boroko
while Tony Egar was on leave. During this time, Peter was able to realise his
dream of walking the famous Kokoda Trail, together with our volunteer at the
Senta Bilong Helpim: Claire Byrne. We thank Peter sincerely for his
contribution to the life of the Vicariate and wish him well back in the
Province.
§Following some time of serious
discernment, Br Noah Wunum came to the decision to leave the Congregation
and religious life in order to follow the path of marriage and family life. Noah
had been professed for two years. Noah expressed his gratitude to the
Passionists for all he had received in his time with us.
§Desmond
Mainik, a postulant
and first year student at the Catholic Theological Institute also returned home
to his village after being assisted to discern his vocation. Best wishes for the
future.
News
from around the Vicariate
§At the end of September, Br
James Coucher left for Australia to have holidays, medical checks and some
appeal work for the St Gemma Senta
Bilong Helpim. Basically, James was
given a clean bill of health. However he had to undergo surgery on his eyes to
remove 8 cysts. We wish you a quick recovery, Jim!
§Fr Aidan Kay
also left for Sydney recently to begin his well-deserved holidays, but within a
couple of days was admitted with angina problems into the Royal Prince Alfred
Hospital. Further tests revealed the need for Aidan to undergo a triple (perhaps
quadruple) by-pass heart surgery. Our prayers and good wishes are with Aidan for
a full recovery and good health. Aidan has been working hard as Parish Priest of
St Joseph’s Parish, Boroko this year, introducing the Alpha and RCIA
programmes and encouraging the fundraising drive for extension of the church.
Recently, Aidan was also elected as the Chairman of the Priests’ Senate in the
Archdiocese.
§In Aidan’s absence, Fr Tony Egar has been
supplying in the parish at Boroko. This is in addition to his principle work as
Director of our Students: Brs.
Jacob Kuman, John Auram and Paul
Lokowai. Both John and Paul are completing their first and third year studies
respectively at Catholic Theological Institute for this year. We wish them well
in their exams.
Jacob
completed his studies at Catholic Theological Institute in August of this year
and has been assigned to St Joseph’s Parish, Boroko for a period of pastoral
involvement and experience before ordination as deacon.
§Our congratulations to Br
Benjamin Telu who will soon be graduating from the Formator’s Course he
has been attending at Xavier Institute in Port Moresby this year. Ben has been
working hard on writing his formation programme recently and has done very well.
As a member of the Board of Xavier Institute, I heard some very positive
comments about Ben from the Director of the course at a recent Board meeting.
She spoke well of his full participation, cooperation, leadership and example.
Well done, Ben!
§The Vicariate is grateful to Fr
Phil Smith who successfully preached the appeals in the USA from July to
September. In thanking Phil, we also acknowledge the appeal work done for the
Vicariate by Fr David Wilkie (Port Augusta) and Fr Kevin Dance (New York).
Their time to do this extra work is greatly appreciated. Among other things,
Phil continues his good and careful work as our Vicariate Econome.
§In Vanimo, Br Jerome Dunn is
completing the year of directing five postulants in their formation. He is at
present assisting the young men toward their next steps. Br Martin Lusk
has had a very busy year with training young men at the Anselm Training
Centre, with contract work for building and orders for furniture. In the
Baro Parish, Fr Paul Mercieca continues to be a caring pastor for his
people. Paul works very hard in a large parish and will appreciate the
assistance of another priest soon.
§Fr Felix Kialoi
and myself are kept steadily busy at the House of Prayer in Wewak. The
House is well used by religious, priests and some lay groups from Wewak and
other parts of PNG. Other than retreats, there is much work here for spiritual
direction and formation workshops. With the departure of Noah, Felix has been a
great help also in taking charge of the management of the House. In addition, we
supply Mass for the Sacred Heart Brothers daily and are available to supply in
any parish on Sundays.
