The number attending the celebration was variously reported to be to 1000 and 20,000 and people from other mainline churches.

Government and diplomatic heads and friends from the Diocese of Townsville, Australia also at the event.

As he walked up the red carpet laid out to welcome him, Ribat was accompanied by the apostolic nuncio, Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal and 49 priests.

The four-hour-long celebration included the celebration of the Eucharist, contributions from the various dioceses, a combined male and female choir, speeches by the various dignitaries and church leaders and representatives.

About 28 lay church workers from 9 parishes received awards in recognition of their commitment and contribution towards building the archdiocese.

Ribat called for unity and cooperation in building the church and the country as well.

"Today we are uniting to build the church in all areas in cooperation with our sister churches, the government and others."

He also acknowledged the work and sacrifices made by the early missionaries who came and planted the faith.

Ribat said Port Moresby Archdiocese was a young diocese. It has been part of the Bereina Diocese until 1966. It has had only 5 bishops.

The nuncio Archbishop Kurian congratulated Ribat whom he referred to as "a simple and humble person", for his contribution in the work and development of the church in Port Moresby and the country.

He said that the appointment of Cardinal Ribat is a sign by Pope Francis of his love for Papua New Guinea the people and the church, and recognition of the work of the church in this part of the world.

Governor General, Sir Michael Ogio thanked the new cardinal for his working relationship with the Government.

"I admire the work of this new cardinal. He has been vocal on issues and we will work alongside him," Ogio said.

Source

• wantokniuspepa.com
• www.emtv.com.pg
• Image: emtv.com.pg

Cette prise de position, de la part de la conférence des évêques catholiques de Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée et des îles Salomon, intervient en soutient à des appels similaires émanant du Gouverneur de la capitale, Powes Parkop, qui a demandé ces dernières semaines à ce que l'armée soit mobilisée pendant au moins une année, pour rétablir l'ordre dans cette métropole. La conférence des évêques, dans un communiqué final, en fin de semaine dernière, a basé sa décision sur le fait qu'elle estime que la police n'est plus en mesure d'assurer seule le maintien de l'ordre public. Le père Victor Roache, secrétaire général de la conférence, a précisé que ces dernières semaines, Port-Moresby avait été le théâtre d'une vague sans précédent de criminalité, dont des meurtres particulièrement violents, dans un climat d'impunité. La police, de son côté, a de fait dressé un constat d'échec face à cette situation, en recommandant, faute de mieux, aux personnes, mais aussi automobilistes, de ne pas sortir après la tombée de la nuit.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands has supported the views of National Capital District Governor Governor Powes Parkop that the PNG Defence Force be called in to patrol Port Moresby for at least one year.

They made this call amid reports of worsening law and order situation in Port Moresby.

"Pick-pocketing, rape and killing have become part of the normal life in the city. Two weeks ago, we read in the newspaper of the cruel rape of a mother in broad daylight in Gordon's market. The culprits go scot-free and the victim is afraid of lodging a case with the police.

"The mindset of the criminals should be weeded out. They commit the crimes and they know that neither the police nor the public will do anything to deter them. The public is also of the same attitude. It takes a few months or perhaps a few years to take away that mind-set. It is good to start now."

General Secretary of the Bishops' Conference Fr Victor Roche, in a statement said: "The police are unable to curb the rising crime in the city. The public have become silent and passive observers of these crimes and the church supports the view of NCD Governor Powes Parkop that the army is called in to patrol the city for at least one year."

Source

• NewPad
• Post Courier
• Image: The Australian