This
is February 2020 following a fast pace holiday that began in December. I had
the opportunity to return home to rest from the challenges of my first two
years here in PNG and prepare for my new assignment this year. I had an amazing
time visiting with as many family members, friends as well as my fellow St.
Bartholomew parishioners. I wish to thank everyone who made my visit home
special. I am truly blessed by your compassion, support, prayers and visits
while at home.
Saturday,
January 25, turned out to be a glorious day - filled with warm sunshine, tribal
drum beats from various locations, a large choir rehearsed while parishioners
and participants alike anticipated the blessings the day would bring. Many
dressed in their decorative bilas (traditional dress) to fulfill their role
within the ceremony that was about to take place. It all began on time at 8:30
am with an escort by the warriors who, with their spears dancing joyously,
cleared the path for the clergy to slowly meander their way through the wet
grass and the gathered crowd toward an authentic stage decorated in the
traditional style of PNG. The priests
and Bishops, many visiting from other provinces and countries, Bishop William
Fey who can now officially retire, the Archbishop of Rabaul, and the one and
only Cardinal of PNG, Cardinal John Ribat were accompanied by the sing-sing of
the choir as they sang the entrance hymns.
Each
village within the Diocese of Kimbe was well represented, as warriors and/or
dancers brought their assigned item(s) to the altar to present to the mass or
to the Bishop. Then it came that moment when Bishop-to-be John Bosco Auram was
hoisted into the air three times before he was led to the altar to begin his
ordination. He was properly ordained during the mass with all the pageantry
expected for such an occasion that announced to all that a new Bishop was ready
to shepherd his flock in the Diocese of Kimbe. The mass began at 8:30 a.m. and
ended at 12:10 p.m. Those of us sitting in the stands, or standing under
makeshift palm trees specially placed inside the park, were truly blessed by
the mass and the jubilance of all who participated in the mass.
Prayers
must have been continuous by everyone associated with the event as it turned
out to be a beautiful day, especially for an outdoor event. I was told that
thunderstorms occurred on a daily basis leading up to this blessed day.
Sunday
began just as beautiful too as the installation mass was celebrated again in
the park. It was a little sad for me as I said good-bye to Sr Bernadette who
had to leave for the airport. She was transferred back to her beloved home of
Rabaul. I look forward to visiting her sometime soon as she begins her new
assignment.
On
both days, a true PNG lunch and dinner followed both masses with the Religious
sharing in the celebration of our new Bishop. I sat with the MSC Sisters and
was warmly welcomed back by many who knew I just returned from my holiday. It
is so nice to be back.
Both
days continued into the afternoon with speeches from the religious dignitaries,
the Bishops, the Archbishop, the Cardinal and prominent religious and village
leaders. Of course there were gifts, presentations, and song and dance to
finish out the day. Only on Sunday around 5 pm did it decide to rain, but that
didn’t stop the dancers who had waited patiently the whole day for their turn to
honor the new Bishop. They danced despite the rain and the thunder taking place
around them. I was also honored to finally have my opportunity to dance with
the Mammas Group at dinner on Sunday night. Cameras were rolling, but
unfortunately mine was not one of them. I also had the opportunity to visit
with Cardinal John Ribat (Cardinal of PNG and also the uncle to Sr Bernadette).
I thanked him for allowing us to stay at his place in Rabaul my first year in
PNG and for the opportunity to meet and stay with his family. We also
talked about his visit to the USA the year before.
Bishop
Bill will sadly be leaving PNG at the end of February. I will truly miss our
conversations and visits as I say good-bye to my Won-tok (someone who speaks
the same language).
I
will hopefully tell you about my new assignment in my next blog as well as my
new home on the grounds of the Diocese. So far so good. This is also a great
time to finally learn the language of Tok-Pidgin. Again, I thank you for
your support, prayers and encouragement during my visit home and as I continue
my mission in PNG and I, in return, will pray for you, too. Your comments are
always appreciated.
Thank
you and God bless.
