Mary Help of Christians Sabama Parish welcomes new Parish Priest

By Jessica Oata and Rosa Koian

       Sabama, Port Moresby, PNG 17 February 2023 -- The rhythmic beat of the kundu drums and dancing, angelic voices and joyous atmosphere filled the Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama as the parishioners and visitors witnessed the installation of the new Parish Priest on Sunday 12 February 2023.

       His Eminence the Archbishop, Cardinal John Ribat MSC was the presider with Fr. Ambrose Pereira SDB as the concelebrant. The theme of the Eucharistic celebration was ‘Light and Voice of the World’. The celebrations began with a song entitled: Welcome to the Family and floral garlands to members of the Catholic Professional Society (CPS) who were present for the installation and the Opening Mass of CPS and blessing of the Action Plan for 2023.

       Reflecting on the Gospel, in his homily, Cardinal Ribat encouraged the parishioners of Sabama to live their life with God and fulfil their promises and oaths to the Lord. “Tok bilong God em bilong yumi olgeta, olsem na taim yumi harim displa tok yumi mas hamamas. God i singautim yumi long kamapim sios bilong em long ples graun olsem na nau long parish, bai yumi installim parish priest long wokabaut wantem yupla long mekim dispela wok”, he said.

       At the rite of Installation, in front of the Parish Council members, parishioners and invited guests Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb made the profession of faith, promised to be faithful to the church, dwell on evangelization and care for the spiritual needs of his flock.

       He thanked the Cardinal for his presence and the installation, CPS members for their presence and support to a parish on the periphery, and all the parishioners and guests for their continuous support. He said, “We will journey together in the spirit of Synodality”.

       He asked the people to invoke the protection of Our Blessed Mother on their families and pray for peace in the homes. He also requested them to live good lives and celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation and that the young people must celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage. He invited the people to keep and fulfil the slogan: Lik Lik lotu haus, wantim strong pela belif.

       The entire liturgical celebration was well prepared with joyful voices packed with emotion and feeling that brought tears to the eyes of several people. Dances at the liturgical celebration were by the Kairuku group of St. Dominic Savio, Kirakira LKK, Goilala group of St Raphael, Kilakila and Kogeva LKK and the Engan group of St John the Baptist LKK.

       The post communion song: ‘You’ve got to climb’ was beautifully sung by the youth. It spoke of the daily struggle and the need to climb on to reach life’s goal.

       In their reflections some members of the CPS PNG thought about their journeys as Catholics. Dame Jean Kekedo said, this little humble church reminded her of her childhood going to church with her mother in Kokoda. Esther Igo, one of the CPS PNG executives said the Mass was so beautiful it made her emotional throughout the whole celebration.

       The parish also has the responsibility to care for Serakone, Vabukori and together with Fr Angelo Fazzini and Fr Pedro Sachitula who form the parish team and care for the pastoral needs of the people. Fr Ambrose is the Spiritual Director of Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu and the Spiritual Director of the Catholic Professionals Society (CPS PNG).

       At the end of the Eucharistic celebration in keeping with the spirit of Laudato Si, fruit trees symbolizing the fruitfulness of the parish were planted by Cardinal Ribat, Mr Paul Harricknen and Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb. The Catholic Professionals celebrated the occasion with lunch for the leaders and the parish pastoral team.

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