Diocese
of Bereina
Office of the Bishop
March 28 2011
Dear Fathers /Religious Men and Women/Heads of Sectors and all People of God
The
months of January, February and March 2011 had gone by very quickly
and before we realize it we are already into the Lenten Season
with prayer, fasting and alms giving done with sincerity and
from the heart will set our right spirit of preparation for Holy
Week and Easter Joy.
1. I was in Europe and the Holy Land beginning from 3rd January
and arrived back in the country on 16th February 2011. I visited
our former Missionaries in Paris, Issoudun and Marseille. I was
privileged to be Main Celebrant for the Solemnity of the Baptism
of the Lord at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Basilica, Issoudun
which is also the foundation town of the Missionaries of the
Sacred Heart and the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
Most of our Misssionaries (MSC & OLSH) had their formation
in Issoudun and were sent to the various missions around the
world departing from Issoudun, Central France.
(a) I had the privilege to encounter Br. Lionel, OLSH Srs. Gabriella,
Josephine Fournier Mary Gerard and Fr Seveau. A few days later
Sr Mary Gerard passed over to the Father's House leaving us with
the fond memories of her hospitality and community spirit in
Terapo and Fane Stations where she served in the Lord's vineyard
both in Kerema and Bereina Dioceses. Fr Seveau, a diocesan priest
of the Archdiocese of Bourges was the uncle of Fr Philipp Seveau
MSC who is now in Paris but served his priestly ministry in Yongai,
Ononghe, Fane and Kubuna. He reminded me that he is still united
with us every day since he prays the rosary in French as well
as in Kuni and Fuyughe languages for the sake and intentions
of our diocese.
(b) In Marseille I visited Frs. Rene Fraix, Antoine Fournier,
Leon Bel and Br. Henry Pasquiers. Each of these MSC confreres
lived and worked tirelessly in our diocese especially in the
parishes and the schools. Each of these missionaries had their
fond memories of the horses, the caravans, the horse tracks and
the long walks from the coast to the mountains and back down
to the coast. They were pioneers in their own rights and great
explorers and linguists, apart from natural engineers, botanists,
anthropologist, sociologists but above all missionaries and announcers
of the Good News of a God who is love as revealed in the compassion
of Jesus the Christ.
Again I was just fortunate to have a life-time interview with
Fr Leon Bel MSC who ten days later on the 22 of February 2011
also passed over to the Father's house, and we can hear in our
minds the fond words of our Lord, "enter into my Father's
house good and faithful servant." In the interview he shed
light and clarity around some of the unanswered questions and
issues I had regarding the commitment and sacrifices of the first
missionaries to penetrated the interior villages and succeeded
in conquering the mountains with well established parishes and
mission stations. Fr. Bel spent 57 years of his life as a missionary
in Bereina diocese and it is a wonderful achievement for what
the Lord has done in his life. While in Marseille I had the opportunity
to celebrate the Holy Mass with the retired confreres as well
as all the other retired personnel in the home of the Retired.
Fr Antoine Fournier MSC with the rest of all the confreres conveyed
their greetings and assurance of prayer to everyone in the diocese.
(c) I also went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes the grotto of Our
Lady of Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to the
young girl, Bernadette and revealed her name as "I am the
Immaculate Conception." I joined the congregation for the
Eucharistic celebration on the International Day of the Sick,
11th February 2011. There was literally no space in the International
Basilica which has a sitting capacity of 25 thousand pilgrims
and utilizing six (6) languages during the Eucharist. The choir
sang magnificently with uplifting voices generating the angelic
ardor and prayerful spirit. We were 30 Bishops and more than
600 priests with more Religious and Pilgrims making the Basilica
looking smaller. The following day I concelebrated at a French
Mass at the Grotto, as well as took part in the Marian Evening
Processions, and did the remarkable Stations of the Cross all
with the intentions for all the sick and elderly in our diocese
as well as everyone's intention throughout our country.
(d) I visited Madrid to represent our CBCPNGSI for the 2nd International
Preparation Meeting for the WYD2011 which will be held in Madrid
Spain from 16 - 21 August 2011. During that occasion I also visited
Fr. Jose Diaz MSC with the MSC Community at Valladolid. Fr. Diaz
fondly known in our diocese lived and worked during 45 years
in Bereina Diocese, especially amongst the Mekeos at St. Paul's
Parish Veifa'a. He is 91 years of age and still celebrates 2
Sunday Masses and preaches the homily. Even though he mixes the
languages, (French, Spanish English and Mekeo) the congregation
and confreres greatly enjoy his missionary spirit and he is an
inspiration to all.
(e) We were six (6) Bishops from PNG (Abp John Ribat, Bps.Patrick
Taval, Anton Bal, Arnold Orowae, Tony Burgess, Rochus Tatamai)
joined 200 Bishops and 7 Cardinals with many Itinerants Catechists
and families of the Neocatechumenal Way for a Retreat in Galilee,
Israel from the 26th January - 1st February 2011. Again this
was another of a life-time experience as it brought home and
into the core and heart the famous historical locations where
Jesus did his earthly ministry more than 2000 years ago. We had
the opportunity to concelebrate two (2) Holy Eucharist at Caphernaun
the home of St. Peter (remember the famous healing of the mother-in-law
of Peter) and was well-known as the hide out of Jesus. It was
just an awesome experience to actually be there and to recall
the significance of God acting in and through concrete geographical
location, it's just awesome and wonderful, the fact and thought
just blows you away.
Inside the ruins and remains of the ancient Synagogue at Capernaum
that we had the opportunity to hear afresh the words of Jesus
teaching for the first time ever over 2000 years ago on the Bread
of Life according to St. John chapter 6. The ruins of the ancient
synagogue and the suspension of time between the past, present
and future came alive and the silence all around exemplify the
clarity and powerful nuances regarding Jesus' claim as he is
the "Bread from Heaven, the Bread of real life" who
makes the resurrection possible and nourishes eternal life.
Not far from Capernaum we celebrated the Mass of Recommitment
at the Primacy of Peter near the Sea of Tiberias. Since the chapel
was too small to comfortably accommodate the whole lot of us,
we celebrated the special Solemnity underneath a shady and cool
mango tree. Such was a reminded of our pastoral situation when
we at times celebrate the Holy Eucharist in all proper as well
as unusual locations. After the Mass, in groups of tens and according
to our language groups we enter the chapel where Jesus after
his resurrection prepared a breakfast for his Apostles to make
a recommitment of our ministry and role as successes of the Apostles.
We repeated the historical event as a solemn ritual with the
Presiding Cardinal standing behind the rock and took the time
and patience, calling each Bishop by name and posing the same
question Jesus asked "Peter son of Jonah, Do you love me?"
and each in turn replies "Lord you know everything and you
know, I love you; to which the Cardinal repeated the "mission-ing"
with the challenging words "Feed my Sheep" Feed my
Lambs".
Next we had an exciting bus trip to visits the ancient city of
Caesarea Philippi. There were enjoyed the ancient ruins and scenery
with the cool of the source of the Jordan flowing peacefully
towards the Sea of Galilee. Again another powerful experience
to hear the Gospel anew as Jesus asked Peter and the disciples
for the first time "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
On Saturday 29th January 2011 we enjoyed the bus trip through
Cana in Galilee up to Nazareth and visited the Basilica of the
Annunciation. Archeological excavation revealed the ancient location
and restored the exact spot in the house of Mary where the Angel
Gabriel greeted her with the "Hail full of Grace, the Lord
is with you". Each Bishops had the opportunity to pray in
silence in front of the exact spot where the "incarnation"
or "where in time and space the Word became flesh and lived
among us" eventuated offering the intentions of all the
dioceses as well as that of the whole world.
On Sunday we had the pleasure and privilege of the 2 hours drive
from Tiberias in Galilee, passed by the desert plains, seeing
the city of Jericho to the right and the Dead Sea to the left.
We could see from the distance of the highway the mountains
and caves of the Qumran Community. It was a rather rainy and
wet day but did not deter the enthusiasm and growing curiosity
for us the first timers to the Holy Land. This is it, where it
all happened, the greatest event of salvation history, the basis
for our Christian faith and conviction. This pilgrimage made
real the psalmist sentiments "I rejoice when I heard them
say, let us go the House of the Lord, and now our feet are standing
within as we pray that peace shall reign within your walls O
Jerusalem. This was a one-stop-shop because within Jerusalem
all within strolling distance we visited the Sepulcher and Calvary,
which concluded later in the evening with the Holy Eucharist
in the Cenacle for the 200 Bishops, cardinals and translators,
while the other pilgrims celebrated the Holy Eucharist at Bethlehem.
The Bishops Retreat sponsored and organized by the Neocatechumenal
Way took place at "Domus Galileaea" on the Mount of
the Beatitudes over-looking the panoramic view of the magnificent
Sea of Galilee. It was a deeply spiritual experience as we connected
with the geographical settings of the 4 Gospel Stories with the
proclamation and meditation on the relevant Gospel Passages concerning
those relevant locations thus bringing new freshness to life
as the fifth Gospel that God not only is the Lord of History
but also truly acts in definitive geographical locations as far
as the Holy Land is concerned as well as our individual definitive
geographical location.
2. We had the Priests meeting at Bereina on 28th February 2011.
This was well attended by all the priests with the exception
of two due to various circumstances. In any case, the presence
of the Priests at Bereina during the meeting made a clear statement
of a new beginning and lively start for Bereina as the headquarters
of the diocese. We also observed three new staff houses currently
being built and near completion.
3. We had an early start for the Lenten Season with the Chrism
Mass (Mass of Oils) at Our Lady of the Sacred Cathedral Bereina
on 1st March 2011. This was well attended by the Priests, Religious,
the staff and students of Sacred Heart Primary Bereina, Mainohana
Catholic Secondary as well as with some nearby schools, communities
and parishioners. It was also the occasion for the Priests to
renew their Priestly commitment, showing their solidarity with
the Bishop and the opportunity for the people to pray for the
priests working in our diocese.
4. On Saturday 19th March 2011, as well as the Solemnity of St.
Joseph, Husband of Mary, Fr. Casmiro Kito MSC was ordained at
St. Jean Marie Vianney Parish, Tapini. It was well attended by
the Priests and Religious from within the diocese as well as
members of the Chevalier Family. On Friday 18th March, 2011 there
was a brief traditional ceremony of welcome and presentation
of gifts from the parish community and Fr. Casmiro's family to
the Parish Priest and the Bishop. It was history in the marking
as Fr. Casmiro becomes the first of the Tauade speaking tribe
to be ordained a priest. Thus it was a joyous occasion for the
Students and Staff of Sacred Heart High School, Tapini to see
a former student giving himself totally to Christ and his Church.
The ordination celebration and liturgy was simple but prayerful
and inspiring for the Parish and School communities. We congratulate
Fr Casmiro Kito MSC and wish God's blessing upon him and his
missionary and priestly ministry. We thank in a particular manner
Fr. Brian Cahill MSC, the Staff and Students of Sacred Heart
High School and Blessed Peter ToRot Primary with all the nearby
schools, health workers, including all the nearby parishes for
the special contributions towards the Priestly Ordination and
the celebrations. We also thank Fr Casmiro's parents, family
and relatives for their generosity and support during the celebrations
and now appeal on every one to continue to pray for more vocations
to the priesthood and religious life.
5. EDUCATION:
(a) There was another significant milestone for Education in
our diocese with the signing and ground breaking event between
the Bishop of Bereina Diocese and Officials of the PNG Incentive
Fund (AusAid IF) at Mainohana Catholic Secondary School on the
10th March 2011 marking the commencement of The Mainohana Development
Project. We affirmed that the diocese of Bereina - Catholic Education
Agency is the main service provider for education in the Kairuku
and Goilala Districts of Central Provice.
Across these two districts the entry point for Grade 9 takes
place at two schools"
" Mainohana Secondary School (Bereina) is fed by students
from primary schools in the Kairuku District.
" Sacred Heart High School (Tapini) is mainly fed by students
from primary schools in the Goilala District.
Students graduating Grade 10 from Mainohana and Sacred Heart
are then selected for Grade 11 & 12 at Mainohana.
Grade 8 and Grade 10 Leavers from both districts will have opportunity
to undertake technical and vocational skills training courses
at Mainohana once the Skills Training Center is established there.
The plan to relocate the St.Peter's Skills Training Center at
Yule Island to Mainohana is to bring these two schools into an
arrangement of 'shared facility and resources' under one school
administration.
" FUNDING FROM AUSAID (PNG INCENTIVE FUND): K9,670,660-00
PROJECT OUTPUTS: We'll see the new construction works will include
- 4 x BOYS' DOMITORIES
- 2 x Boys' Ablution/Laundry Blocks
- 1 x Double Storey Classroom Block (3 classrooms & 1 office
area / storey
- 4 x Trade Blocks (Workshop & Classroom)
Procurement:
- Boys' Dormitories: Double Bunk Beds
- Double Storey Classroom Block: Teachers Desk Chair sets / Students
Desks & Chairs
- Trade Blocks: Workshop Machinery, Equipment & Tools / Classroom
Desks & Chairs
The visitors were warmly welcome by colourful traditional dancers representing the Mekeo and Roro dancers from the coastal deanery and the energetic young male dancers from the Goilala mountains. The dancers' variety in decorations, the rhythmic steps and expressive movements kept the visitors and officials thrilled throughout the celebrations.
The various guest speakers reiterated the importance of partnership and collaboration. Br. Robert the Principal reported the gradual improved academic performance of the students which reflects the staff's commitment and the administration's dedication and leadership.
(b) The Catholic Teachers' had their Workshop and Orientation at Alain de Boismenu Pastoral Centre from 14th - 18th March 2011. This was also the opportunity for the Diocesan Education Secretary (Mrs. Bibiana Modakewau) and Christian Education Coordinator (Sr. Emma Lapun olsh) to introduce and present to the participants the Handbook for Teachers in Catholic Agency Schools. The occasion also presented a forum for mutual exchange between the Bishop and the Teachers regarding the role and responsibility of everyone engaged in Teaching as a participation and continuation of the Teaching Ministry of Jesus Christ who is the Teacher of Truth, showing the Way that leads to Eternal Life.
(c) Sacred Heart Teachers' College in Bomana into its second year of operation offers us great hope to provide teachers for all our remote and isolated schools. We appeal to all communities to identify and recommend any former Grade 12s with keen interest in teaching in remote schools to benefit from this important facility for preparing future teachers.
We would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation to all our teachers in all our schools throughout the diocese, namely all the schools down the coastal and up in the mountain deaneries. We encourage and urge you all to make a difference to the children who are under your care. Our appeal goes to all parents and communities to give your full support and cooperation to all our teachers in all our schools.
6.
HEALTH
We welcome to the Health Sector Ms Leontine Javia as the new
Diocesan Health Secretary. She had had a preliminary visit to
the Health Centre at Tapini during the occasion of the ordination
of Fr. Casmiro Kito msc. She immediately visited Ononghe Parish
to check out the reports of children dying from prolonged whooping
cough. She confirmed in total 33 deaths with the highest 25 at
Ononghe. The Health secretary had been proactive and very instrumental
in the coordination of the Response to the out-break of whooping
cough in the mountains. This crisis was first raised by the Fathers
at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Woitape.
Our sincere thanks and acknowledgement goes to Sr Marlene Dewar olsh who willingly carried out the role and responsibilities of the Diocesan Health Secretary in the interim in addition being Principal at the School of Nursing. We also acknowledge and appreciate all the hardworking and committed health workers throughout the diocese and encourage the staff and students of St. Gerard's Nursing School for the academic year 2011.
We look forward to the opening and blessing of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Health Centre in Tapini on the 23rd May 2011. This facility is a confirmation of our commitment to partnership with the Government for the well-being and common good of our people especially in the Goilala Mountains.
On the same token we acknowledge and appreciate Sr. Geraldine Arua olsh and all the staff and collaborators who continue to raise our awareness about the deadly HIV/AIDS virus and its destructive effects in the lives of our loved ones as families and communities. We appeal again to all of us to support and be compassionate towards those infected and living with the Virus. Let us continue to support Ametur House with food and other material needs. We also encourage everyone to take the opportunity and check out your HIV status by visiting our VCT and Health Centres.
7.
RELOCATION OF BEREINA DIOCESE
The relocation program is currently going well on time with three
(3) new staff houses towards final completion as well as minor
renovations to upgrade the Chancery at Bereina. The OLSH Cathedral
at Bereina will also undergo necessary renovations soon after
Easter.
8. Departure:
We would like to thank in a special way Sr. Kate McPhee SM after
staying with us for almost two years left for Australia on 25th
March 2011. We thank the Marist Sister for their generosity and
missionary spirit in our diocese.
9.
UPCOMING EVENTS
" I strongly recommend that you consult the 2011 calendar
with the theme "LIVING UNITY TOGETHER" (Acts. 2:42-47/4:32-37).
I also appeal for more consultation and collaboration between
the Pastoral Vicar with the Parish Priests and all the pastoral
agents in the diocese.
" I would like to urge everyone to pay special attention to your deanery and Parish programs regarding the different sectors and services. More creative initiatives could be introduced to make our Catholic and Christian witness more evident in our families and communities.
" The Opening of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Hospital Tapini will be on 24th May 2011.
"
I will be going to Christ the King, Kamulai Parish for Easter
this year 2011.
United
with you in Prayer
Rochus Josef Tatamai msc
Bishop of Bereina