Papua New Guinea Mission Celebrates 25 Years

GOODENOUGH ISLAND, Papua New Guinea, OCT. 2, 2006 (Zenit.org).- After an unsuccessful attempt over 150 years ago, the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions is able to celebrate 25 years of mission activity in Papua New Guinea.

The Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions (PIME) commemorated the event on Sept. 17 by consecrating the church of Mataita, a town located in the Bolu Bolu mission, on Goodenough Island, in the Diocese of Alotau.

The opening of the new church, dedicated to St. Michael, "crowns years of work of the Catholic community of Mataita and of Father Lorenzo Frosio," reported the institute.

It was in Bolu Bolu in 1981 that Father Cesare Bonivento -- at present bishop of Vanimo -- and Father Giulio Schiavi, began missionary work in the country.

But the foundation was actually a return, as Papua was the first mission of Milan's Seminary for Foreign Missions -- today PIME -- in 1853.

That first missionary endeavor of the 19th century ended rapidly because of the enormous difficulties encountered, which culminated in the martyrdom of Blessed Giovanni Mazzucconi in 1855.

Bishop Francesco Panfilo of Alotau presided at the recent consecration of the new church.

A living Chuch

In addition to highlighting the work of PIME's missionaries on Goodenough Island, Bishop Panfil reminded those present that the new church is the visible symbol of a living Church in Christ, in which all must participate.

The festivities of the more than 3,000 participants, following the solemn liturgical celebration, lasted until late at night. There was dancing, singing, and traditional costumes to mark the event.

The celebrations of the 25th anniversary ended with Mass on Sunday, Sept. 24, in the Cathedral of Alotau.

In Papua New Guinea, a country of 5.5 million inhabitants, Catholics comprise 22% of the population.

PIME was founded in 1850 in Saronno, Milan, an initiative of Pius IX who greatly stimulated the foreign missions. Its proper configuration as the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions was established by Pius XI.

The Institute's charism has been to go to the frontiers of Christianity, as a precious heritage of its foundation, and, on several occasions, it has accepted missions from the Holy See that others could not undertake.

Over the 155 years of its existence and with a limited number of missionaries -- priests and consecrated lay people -- PIME has founded 40 dioceses especially in Asia, but also in other continents. Today it continues to carry out its work in some 20 countries throughout the world.

Since its creation, the institute has given the Church 18 martyrs, 1,700 missionaries, 70 bishops or prefects and apostolic vicars.