Port Moresby, PNG - 9 September 2024 -- His Holiness Pope Francis arrived at Sir John Guise stadium to a rousing welcome well ahead of schedule on 8 September. Over 35 thousand pilgrims were present in the stadium and several thousand more in the adjacent soccer field. Addressing the pilgrims, at the homily, the Holy Father highlighted unity and tolerance with God and each other.
“Courage! Be strong, do not fear” were his opening words. In the first reading, he highlighted the prophet Isaiah (Is 35:4-7) who invited his people who have lost heart, to a horizon of hope, so that their eyes and ears may be opened.
Dwelling on the gospel (Mk 7:31-37) he reflected on the distance of the deaf man and the nearness of Jesus. The deaf man, he explained, were those on the peripheries, far from the religious center and far from God. Secondly, he is far from God, is deaf and mute and hence he is unable to communicate. He was cut off from the world and isolated. He then added that a deaf person could be one of us when our hearts are closed and blocked.
“When we shut ourselves off from God and others, through selfishness, indifference, fear of taking risks, resentment, hatred, etc. All these shut us from God, our brothers, and sisters and from the joy of living”, he said.
He then explained that Jesus is near us, filled with compassion and cares for us and is ready to heal our muteness and deafness. He reminded us not to barricade ourselves as we would only revolve around our own Ego and remain deaf to God and our neighbor.
Being in the Pacific and at the edge of the world, we may sometimes feel distanced. But like the deaf man, the Lord wants to tell us that we are at the center of His heart and that each one of us is important.
The Holy Father stressed that we open ourselves to God, the joy of the Gospel, and to each other. “Under difficult and hostile circumstances, Bl. John Mazzucconi, brought Christ in your midst, that no one may remain deaf before the joyful message of Salvation, and that all loosen their tongues to sing of God’s love. May you respond to this invitation today”, concluded the Holy Father.
At the end of the Eucharist, Cardinal Ribat thanked the Holy Father for his visit that united us with the Bishop of Rome. He gave a brief outline of the start of the PIME missionary work at Woodlark in 1852 and that of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1882. Down the years, the church has been in the forefront of education, health, and other services for the people. Despite the difficulties, the building of the church goes on. “May our good Lord continue to bless you abundantly in your work and good health.
We love you and we thank you !” concluded the Cardinal.
It being the birthday of Our Blessed Mother, the Holy Father then prayed the Angelus, to thank her for her guidance and protection, peace, and justice and for those affected by the recent floods in Lourdes. 8 September is the nativity of our Blessed Mother.
The Eucharistic celebration, the highlight of the Apostolic journey, was coordinated by many dedicated men and women who worked tirelessly to coordinate this Eucharistic celebration. The spirit-filled 500-strong choir was conducted by Mr Gideon Giyovadula, together with Mr Clement Kapapal and Mr John Lavu. Colorful dances were also part of the celebration.
Undeterred by the heat of the sun our catholic faithful participated fully in the Eucharistic celebration. Grateful for the visit of the Holy Father and filled with the spirit of gratitude, unity, and peace they strive to live lives guided by the teachings of Pope Francis.
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