Port Moresby, PNG, 6 September 2024 -- The 45th Apostolic Journey of Pope Francis will take him to Papua New Guinea, the second leg of his journey after an emotional visit to the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, Indonesia.
During his 4-day visit, from 6-9 September, the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko will welcome His Holiness Pope Francis for a meeting with the clergy on 7 September.
The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Boroko was consecrated on 24 May 2008, with Cardinal Thomas Williams, Auckland, and Archbishop John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby as principal celebrants.
The Shrine, built on the Salesian property, also houses the Don Bosco Technological Institute, Emmaus Conference Centre and the Salesian Provincial House. It is a reminder of the growth of the Faith in Papua New Guinea, Oceania. The large stained-glass windows of the shrine have been recently replaced, thanks to the efforts and coordination of Fr Angelo Fazzini with friends, benefactors and donors of Fr Valeriano Barbero, pioneer and builder of PNG, who passed away in Italy on 14 April 2023.
The Meeting with the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Persons, Seminarians and Catechists will commence at 17.40 on 7 September and last for an hour. A program for young people will be held on the grounds of the campus before the arrival of the Holy Father.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Holy Father will spend time with children of the Street ministry and Callan Services at Caritas Technical Secondary School, East Boroko.
Seven kilometers away amid a settlement lies the Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama. The little church nestled between two roads, amidst regular tensions and social issues, strives to be a ‘Little Light’ to the people of the area, encouraging them to live their faith and celebrate the Sacraments. The parishioners of Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama have prepared themselves spiritually for the event through a novena that commenced on the 28th of August, with the celebration of the Eucharist and relevant topics for our people such as: Showing respect to women, Forgiveness, Building up God’s family, etc.
“The novena was a unique and very spiritual experience for us. The topic that impressed me was Marriage: A Commitment for Life. We need to understand this more and put it into practice”, said Caroline Galegau, head catechist of the parish. She would make her way to the parish every afternoon, together with several others who practiced regularly in the 500-strong Papal choir. The novena held at Mary Help of Christians parish had the participation of over 120+ people during the triduum, with confessions being celebrated for over an hour and a half.
“The response for the novena has been tremendous. It has been a spiritual experience for all those who attended the novena. I am sure they will receive God’s blessings for their faith and commitment”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Parish priest.
Prayers were offered for the Papal Visit, families, forgiveness, and fidelity. Gratitude to the Priests, sisters and all who made this novena possible.
Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu has put together aspects of the youth festival under the direction of Rica Lavilla, which will be staged on the 9th of September. The theme song: Lord, teach us to pray has been written and composed by Fr Angel Sanchez sdb.
We now await the presence of the Holy Father on Papua New Guinean soil.
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