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Pastoral Visit to Papua New Guinea

The Father Moderator's Pastoral Visit to Papua New Guinea (May 22, 2024 - June 21, 2024)

“You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give his people knowledge of salvation, by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.” (Luke 1:76-79) 

Dear brothers and sisters:

Gutpela de long yupela olgeta!

My visit to our MSP priests in Papua New Guinea has brought me joy, encouragement, and hope for the MSP’s greater contribution to the local churches here. I see and hear their missionary aspirations and dreams beyond their struggles. Surely, their generosity and sacrifices are very much appreciated. Their living conditions can be challenging, not to mention the dangers they must deal with. Frs. Tophie and Robert have to travel by boat for at least 5 hours to Nissan Island from Buka, and sometimes encounter big waves in the middle of the Pacific Ocean if the weather is bad.  I have experienced it myself when I visited them. 

Their pastoral works are also encouraging. Listening to their initiatives for evangelization and catechesis assured me that there is always something we, as missionaries, can offer to help people encounter Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, and be agents of transformation in the Church and society.  I am happy that they found the digital platform “FORMED” useful in their ministry and for their own updating.  On top of that, they have taken leadership in building new churches, particularly in Tungol Nissan Island and Buka Town. I witnessed the blessing and dedication of the altar attended by people from different places and leaders of AROB- Autonomous Region of Bougainville with Fr. BilJohn in Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish (IHOM).

The people are truly happy with their dedication, commitment, and generosity to serve. Many have expressed that they only wanted MSP Missionaries in their places.  What a great impact we have in their lives! Please pray that they will have the strength to keep going in the missions.

I would like to invite you to strengthen our solidarity with one another. Please be generous, when you’re able, to our Missionary Support Fund (after we establish the account) so that we can help our difficult mission areas fund their projects and support their annual gatherings and retreats.

At this time, we have 4 missionaries working in Papua New Guinea.

1. Fr. Guillermo Tadena - Archdiocese of Port Moresby- Mary Queen of the Pacific Parish, Waigani.

2. Fr. Biljohn Arienza- Diocese of Bougainville- Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Buka. He is also the chancellor of the diocese. His leadership is very much appreciated by Bp. Darius.

3. Fr. Robert Saballo- Diocese of Bougainville- St. Anthony Parish, Tungol, Nissan Island.

4. Fr. Christopher Amoroso- Diocese of Bougainville- St. Joseph the Worker Parish, Sigon, Nissan Island

We have made a resolution in our 10th GA to send more young and vibrant missionaries to Papua New Guinea. I hope and pray to see it happening in the near future. 

May we continue to support one another in our prayers and brotherly care and love.

God bless us all!

Rev. Fr. Reginaldo V. Lavilla, MSP                       

Father Moderator

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