Gabutu, Port Moresby: A day of prayer, reflection and discussion for the consecrated Religious men and women brought together the dedicated Religious from different congregations serving within the Archdiocese of Port Moresby.
With the theme: Consecrated Life and Pilgrims of Hope, the event took place on Saturday February 8, 2024 at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School. The day began with registrations followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration to commemorate the Day and other activities.
Chargé d’affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature Mons. Federico Boni was the main celebrant. Joining him as concelebrants were Fr Gregorio Bicomong SDB, Provincial Superior of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Fr Mathew Panachipuram CST, Fr Sylvester Warwakai MSC, Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Fr Albert Boudaud MSC, Fr Shoji Mathew SDB, Fr Ariel Macatangay SDB and Fr Pedro Sachitula SDB.
In a moving homily, Mons Federico reflected on the importance of having a balance between charging our spiritual batteries and discharging them in the service of others.
“Just as Jesus, we must carry out our mission with compassion and empathy but whilst doing so, it is good to rest for a while and reflect on our journey. God himself invented rest in the book of Genesis so we too, must give ourselves time to rest.”
Reflecting on the two Saints of the day: St Jerome Emiliani and St Josephine Bakhita, Mons Federico highlighted the need for us to become the nourishment for others, especially in the Jubilee year.
A group picture was taken after the Eucharistic celebration before everyone moved to the gym for a reflective session and discussion facilitated by the Social Communications Secretary of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Sr Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine MSC facilitated the reflection and sharing session that had everyone reflecting on three questions:
1. How can we become true pilgrims of hope, making each step a testament to justice and solidarity?
2. How can we contribute to “healing and reconciliation within and among religious communities” in an often-violent environment in the country?
3. How can we promote within our institutional community hospitality and reconciliation?
The reflection and discussions was followed by a short presentation of what each group discussed before everyone shared in a meal before departing to their respective communities.
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