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

That was one of the outcomes hoped for from a Bible Sunday organised by the bishops of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for August 3.

The day was intended to move "the faithful to read the Bible . . . help the people understand the biblical dimension of the Church, sacraments and other activities," said bishops' conference general secretary Fr Victor Roche.

He told Catholic News Agency that, in his view, the event should help "fortify the faithful against the propaganda of the sects and increasing fundamentalism".

It should also "offer nourishment for the spiritual life of the communities and help towards a better understanding of the Liturgy of the Word in the Mass".

The Melanesian bishops encouraged parishes to celebrate Bible Sunday in practical ways.

These included a "meaningful entrance procession" to Mass with the Bible as well as traditional dance and "Enthronement of the Holy Bible".

The bishops also urged local priests to give well-prepared homilies "on the Word of God".

A special offertory collection was also made and will go towards sustaining the Catholic Biblical Apostolate in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

Under guidelines from the bishops, local parishes promoted the Bible by tailoring activities to groups like parents, couples, youth, students and children.

Attendees participated in Bible song competitions, poster completions, story writing, quizzes, a basic seminar and enacting Biblical skits to inspire and foster evangelisation.

Parishes also organised Bible-dramas that have been popular with Papuan Catholics.

Earlier this year, Pope Francis encouraged Christians to carry a small Bible or book of the Gospels with them and to spend some time reading the Scriptures every day.

Source

• Catholic News Agency
• Image: Catholic News Agency