On Sunday 27th Sept Catholic bishops from the dioceses of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands launched the celebration of 50 years since the establishment of the dioceses of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
The launching of the jubilee attracted Catholic faithful in Port Moresby who packed the Mary Help of Christians’ shrine at Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) for the Eucharist which was celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Michael Banach.
Speaking to the congregation, the Nuncio highlighted the history of the Catholic Church in PNG and how it has been an authentic model to lead the people of God.
As part of the celebration, 5 Bishops representing the 4 regions of PNG and 1 from the diocese of Honiara in Solomon Islands were invited to share their experience and contribution of their region to the church in PNG, Solomon Islands and the universal church.
In 1844, Pope Gregory XVI erected the vicariate apostolic of Melanesia.
A vicariate apostolic is a mission territory under the pastoral care of a bishop.
The vicariate of Melanesia included the present Independent States of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
As the Catholic church grew the original vicariate was divided and new vicariates were established.
It was not until 15th November, 1966 that dioceses were established in Papua New Guinea and in the the Solomon Islands.
Port Moresby and Honiara were established as metropolitan archdioceses.
There are now 19 dioceses in Papua New Guinea and 3 in Solomon Islands.
Source
- wantokniuspepa.com
- Image: mw2.google.com
