Two Bishops

Happy Mothers’ Day was celebrated here in Kimbe on Sunday May 13, but Kimbe had another celebration that day at the Diocese. Mass was celebrated by two Bishops that morning. Our own Bishop Bill Fey and a newly ordained Bishop Frances Meli, J.C.L, D.D. who was initially ordained as a priest in the Kimbe Diocese and returned to Kimbe for a mass and a huge celebration in his honor that took up most of the day. The celebration included traditional dances that were lively and joyous and I know God was present for this glorious occasion.

The day began with the 8 a.m. mass that started outside. The clergy and Bishops were escorted by warriors in traditional dress, women in both native and traditional Kimbe dress, drums drumming away, spears present ( yes, real spears) making the progression worth standing in the already hot sun.

There were way over a thousand people - from all parts of the Kimbe Diocese there to celebrate this special day. The cathedral was packed and every window occupied by hundreds more who were outside looking in. I was lucky enough to follow the Sisters to a designated area up front reserved especially for the Sisters and the three missionaries. The sing-sing (music) was harmonized by all and the offertory was again accompanied by another set of warriors who danced (not sure this is the right word) their way to the altar, the offertory gifts following behind.

After mass, a buffet was laid out in honor of the new Bishop. The table had taro, coconut, both eating and sweet bananas, chicken, rice, other vegetables, cucumbers, sausages, fruit, and again some mummu pig and so much more. I will describe the mummu pig in my food blog coming soon. Yum!

There was a special cake decorated by the students and the Sisters of Caritas (my school) for the Bishop with a special song sang to him by the different congregation of Sisters from the Kimbe Diocese. They were led by my student, Sr Bernadette.

The buffet was followed by celebrations representing almost every parish in the diocese who either sang, said a prayer or danced in celebration of the new Bishop. Gifts were given as well which included money, food, and other traditional items the Bishop may need. (Bishop Fey left after the buffet to do some last minute work before leaving for the US the next day.) I loved it- it is so different and so traditional. I stayed to almost the end.

Bishop Frances will be over one of the most difficult diocese to work at in PNG. His diocese is on and in the surrounding area of the PNG-Indonesia border and can only be accessed comfortably by air. I'm sure you can hike through the jungle, but I did say comfortably. I'm expecting the people of that area will welcome him with as much pageantry as he received in Kimbe. It would be interesting to visit him sometime and his diocese. Please pray for him as he begins his Service in that area.

Thank you for your support and prayers. I feel very comfortable here. I really enjoy my students, my fellow teachers, the religious community and everyone in-between. God bless each and every one of you. I will pray for you in return.