Pilgrimage to Rabaul

I just returned from an amazing 6 day pilgrimage to Rabaul. Karen and I were invited to join Sr Bernadette for her 50th year jubilee of her MSA novitiate community Sisters. Ron was invited to but did not come. We left on the 4th of July with Ron taking us to Ullamona to meet the boat. We stayed overnight in an old convent. No electricity and no running water. There was a youth retreat there also and they were singing beautifully in many of the 800 languages that represent PNG.

The next morning we got on a dinghy at 4:30 am and took off. There were 11 adults and one child. We stopped at an island for some fish and another island to meet Sr Bernadette’s mother then off to Rabaul. The water was choppy and wet and the dinghy so uncomfortable, but we made it. We were met by Fr Paul who showed us Rabaul and it was clean. Very nice.

Sr Bernadette is the niece of the Cardinal of PNG, so we stayed at his family residence in Rabaul and met his family. His home was somewhat modern by PNG standards and somewhat comfortable. His family lives in their own homes on his property and their homes would be considered primitive vs American houses, but located in a beautiful spot near the ocean with lush vegetation and the family were very charming.

Friday we went to the Sisters of Mercy 50 year jubilee of their novitiate community. It began with a Mass, then lunch, then speeches and then dances and boy did those Sisters have fun.

Saturday we went on our pilgrimage to celebrate the Feast of Blessed Peter To Rot - he was a catechist who was martyred for his faith in the 40's. We saw the cave where he got the holy water for baptisms and we visited his burial site. Again we began with a Mass and lunch and dances. Also there were at least 5,000 youth there for a youth conference. The church is located on a hill so we watched as the youth streamed into the church property from 3 different directions. The numbers were incredible. One group from  Kimbe walked all the way to Rabaul from Ullamona.  It took us 5-6 hours to get to Rabaul, it took them 3-4 days and they were going to walk back. There were three of our students among them and they enjoyed the walk. They have a very enthusiastic Polish priest who walked with them.

Sunday, Fr Paul took us to the cathedral where he officiated Mass and then we walked around the  grounds. After Mass, we joined the MSA Sisters for prayers and lunch. Delightful.  Fr Paul took us to the hot springs located beneath an active volcano that still has steam coming out its top. The place was very remote and not many people who lived there all their lives have ever visited.

Fr Paul described the difference between the tribal system, the clan, the family from his perspective.  He enjoyed explaining his culture and his laugh was infectious, especially when we brought up a few customs from the past (for example: eating missionaries - before we left America, some people were worried about us becoming victims to that particular custom.) He assured us that it is in the past. I'm glad to hear that.

Monday we got up to catch the boat at 4 am, but no boat. No boat at 5 am , or 6 or 7,8,9,10 or 11. By 12 noon the water was already too rough- so we cancelled. I didn't mind, we had an in-service training that week- so I called Sr Florentina and let her know. I had a relaxing Monday at the Cardinals residence with his family (lots of children).  Their uncle even called from Rome to make sure we were well taken care of. Can you imagine??

We got home today after getting up at 4 am again and leaving before daylight. Beautiful! Got back to Kimbe in time for in-service training on Wednesday and went to a staff retreat on Friday at a local hotel with lunch and a swimming pool. How nice. Term three started on Monday, July 16.

Bishop Bill was in LA in July and had the opportunity to meet my sister Debbie and my priest, Fr Michael, of St Bartholomew church. I'm so glad they met. We look forward to having the Bishop return to Kimbe on or around July 25. 

At Caritas Technical Secondary School, we are busy putting together a Technical day open house on July 29. It will be held in our new gymnasium on a real stage. My class will be doing a drama called "Love Letter to the World ' - a story of Mother Teresa. It will be a musical play.

God bless every one of you and know you are in my prayers. Please comment- I'd love to read words of encouragement, questions you might have or friendly suggestions are encouraged too. Ok - Bye till next time...