Veritas in Caritate – Truth in Service
Episcopal Ordination of Bishop John Bosco Auram, Bishop of Kimbe
- Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb
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Kimbe: Rev. Fr John Bosco Auram was ordained as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Kimbe with ‘Veritas in Caritate – Truth in Service’ as his motto.
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Colourful and vibrant cultural dances accompanied by melodious music and harmonious singing filled the air as he was ordained on the 25th of January 2020. The solemn celebration took place at the Bernard Vogae Memorial Park where thousands of people flocked to witness the ordination.
Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, Archbishop of Rabaul, Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby and Bishop Emeritus William Fey were the consecrators of the Ordination. Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands read out the Apostolic Bull from Pope Francis and preached a very fitting and well-articulated sermon.
In his homily, the Apostolic Nuncio paid tribute to His Lordship William Regis Fey who had been shepherding the diocese for over nine years with untiring dedication even to the point of neglecting his health. Addressing the new bishop on his big commitment, he reminded him of God’s words to Jeremiah (Jer 1:4-10). He spoke of his ‘yes’ to God at his priestly ordination in 2004 and the new challenge as the Bishop of Kimbe.
“It is your call within a call.’ The task of the bishop is not of domination, but of humble service, as he strives to be a pastor with the ‘smell of the sheep’. Trust in God and Our Blessed Mother and pray for your people and your priests. Be the ‘sacrament of closeness’ for your priests and your people,” said the Archbishop.
Addressing the congregation, Bp John Bosco said: “I see hope in your eyes.” He thanked God, his parents, family and the people for the support of their prayers. He encouraged all to be deeply spiritual and lift up their hearts and voices in prayer. He requested them to pray a decade of the rosary daily as a family for him and for the ministry in the diocese.
Bishops and representatives from different dioceses joined the priests, religious and lay faithful of the diocese of Kimbe. Hon. Francis Galia Maneke, MP, Governor of West New Britain Province, Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel, MP, Minister for Public Enterprises and State Investments and several government and other well-wishers joined in the celebrations.
The entire celebration was organized by the Diocesan organizing committee. The St. Francis Xavier Parish, Valoka choir sang under the baton of Herman Bareoa, while Allen Sauli coordinated the musicians. The participants of the choir were from the villages of Kololo, Gavaiva, Vovosi and Galewale. The choir sang with heartfelt emotion inviting the congregation to lift up their hearts and voices in petition, praise and thanksgiving. The hymns sung on the day were compositions of Bishop John Bosco Auram, Fr Boniface Kasate, Br Benedict Saua MSC and Mr Andrew Bubu.