Pope Francis’s Historic Visit to Papua New Guinea: A Beacon of Hope and a Catalyst for Transformation

Pope Francis’s visit to Papua New Guinea from 6-9 September 2024 was a historic and inspiring event, marking his first-ever visit to Oceania and one of the most significant journeys of his papacy. At 87 years old, and despite various health challenges, the Pope demonstrated that age is no barrier to active and impactful ministry. His journey to one of the world’s most remote and challenging locations underscores his unwavering commitment to addressing global issues and engaging with diverse communities.

This visit also provides a timely backdrop for the release of the PNG Symposium report, which explores the theme "Women in the Lasallian Family: Leavening in Solidarity for Vitality and Transformation of Lasallian Ministries." Although the report's release is not directly connected to the Pope's visit, its focus on the role of women within the Lasallian community resonates with the broader issues highlighted during the Pope’s visit.

A Momentous Visit

The Pope’s arrival in Port Moresby was met with a grand reception, including a 21-gun salute and performances of both the Holy See’s and Papua New Guinea’s national anthems. Despite the city’s challenges, including high levels of violence and poverty, the Pope’s visit was a powerful testament to his dedication in reaching out to those on the peripheries or the fringes of society. His packed schedule featured meetings with government and church officials, visits to street children, and a day trip to Vanimo town in the West Sepik Province. The visit highlighted his focus on pressing issues such as climate change, violence against women, and rising inequality.

The Pope’s visit to Vanimo, a remote coastal town, was particularly noteworthy. Arriving on an Australian Air Force plane, Pope Francis conveyed a heartfelt message to the local Catholic community, acknowledging the efforts and the hardships they face. This visit underscores the Pope's commitment to reaching out to the Church’s peripheries, a theme that resonates deeply with the 46th General Chapter of the Institute of De La Salle Brothers, which encourages us to "leave our comfort zones and make the peripheries our home."

Vanimo is home to a dedicated group of Lasallian Family members, currently numbering just under 20. The Lasallian Area Coordinator, Marilyn Moiun, leads this vibrant community. Their presence in Vanimo exemplifies their commitment to the Lasallian charism, particularly the mission of providing a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor. This dedication aligns with the spirit of outreach and solidarity highlighted by the Pope’s visit, underscoring their role in serving and supporting the local community.

Grace Wrakia’s Keynote Address

Grace Wrakia, the Lasallian Family National Coordinator for Papua New Guinea and a Member of the Synod on Synodality 2023-’24, had the honour of addressing Pope Francis during his visit. In her speech, she reflected on the challenges and hopes for synodality in Papua New Guinea:

"I returned from the Synod in 2023 with so much enthusiasm, like returning from a big feast with food to share with my family. Many people say that Synodality is our way of life in PNG and in the local Church. But as we continue to merge our Melanesian way of life with other ways and ideas, we risk losing this identity."

Grace emphasised the need for inclusive dialogue, saying, "We in Papua New Guinea must develop and use more of such conversation methods, so that the wisdom of the simple people on our peripheries be heard, respected, and valued."  This method of conversation in this Spirit was used extensively during the recent PNG Lasallian Symposium in June this year.

She also expressed a desire for greater collaboration and active participation within the Church: "I long to see more men and women work as partners, young people embraced for their innocence and youthfulness, priests and religious working together as collaborators, and all Christians standing united at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ."

Brothers Witness the Historic Visit

De La Salle Brothers Antony, Pinto, and Alf were among those who experienced the Pope’s visit firsthand. Standing for several hours to attend the gatherings, they witnessed the significance of the visit and the impact of the Pope’s messages on the Lasallian community and beyond. Their presence underscored the Lasallian commitment to supporting and engaging with the broader mission of the Church.

Pope Francis’s active ministry at 87 serves as a profound inspiration for our own District. In Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, the average age of Brothers is approximately 74. In contrast, the overall average age of Brothers in the ANZPPNG District, which includes Pakistan where the Brothers are younger, is 62. The Pope’s vitality and dedication demonstrate that age does not preclude one from being actively engaged in ministry. His example serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring potential for meaningful service, regardless of age.

Pope’s Challenge and Lasallian Motto

During his visit, Pope Francis inspired many with his challenge to "Never give up," a message that resonated deeply with the people of PNG. This powerful exhortation aligns closely with the motto of La Salle Technical Secondary School in Hohola, which proudly embraces "Never Give Up" as its guiding principle. This shared message of resilience and determination highlights the Pope’s influence and the enduring spirit of the Lasallian mission.

Connecting the Pope’s Message to Broader Discussions

The Pope’s emphasis on the status of women and the challenges they face reflects broader discussions on gender issues, including those addressed in the PNG Symposium report. The report’s focus on the role of women within the Lasallian Family resonates with the Pope’s call for greater inclusion and equality within the Church. This connection underscores the ongoing dialogue about the need for transformative approaches to gender roles in both the Church and broader society.

Background of the PNG Symposium

The 2024 PNG Symposium, held from 25 to 27 June 2024, brought together 130 delegates from across the ANZPPNG District. Focused on the theme "Women in the Lasallian Family: Leavening in Solidarity for Vitality and Transformation of Lasallian Ministries," the symposium aimed to open hearts and minds to the social and political challenges facing girls and young women in Papua New Guinea. Through thought-provoking keynotes, panel discussions, and conversations of the spirit, delegates explored the role of feminine spirituality in the life of John Baptist de La Salle and the ongoing need for Lasallian Formation.

The symposium was a direct response to the Institute’s CIL programme "Women in the Lasallian Family: Moving Together as Leaven for Transformation." The report provides a comprehensive overview of the discussions and recommendations for the District Council, Lasallian Mission Council, and Sector Mission Council’s discernment.

For further insights into the discussions held at the PNG Symposium and their relation to the broader conversation on women’s roles within the Church, Click HERE to read the PNG Symposium Report.

A Call to Action

Pope Francis’s visit has been a profound reminder of the importance of unity, inclusion, and service. The inspiring addresses and discussions from the PNG Symposium reinforce our commitment to these values within the Lasallian Family. As we move forward, let us embrace the call to serve with renewed dedication, carrying the spirit of this historic visit into our daily mission of fostering environments where all individuals can thrive and contribute to the common good.

The Holy Father’s final message to the young people at the Youth Festive on Monday, the 6th, before his departure, is “When someone falls, you must help to lift him or her up”, and the Holy Father coined a new expression just for PNG; he said “Let's be Wantoks of Love”. The thousands of young people who attended the festival returned home with so much joy and hope. This is one historical event that many young people in PNG will always treasure.

Written by Kate Mason

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