Priests on On-going Formation

- Abigail Seta

 

Goroka: The Vangeke Institute Program is a six-week on-going formation program for Melanesian priests from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and it is currently being held at Kefamo Conference Centre, Goroka.

​

Commencing on the 27th of September and concluding on the 7th of November, 2018, it has taken as its theme: “Priest - Called to the fullness of Life and Love” in line with the year of youth.

 

This year marks its ninth year and has 18 priests which include three from Solomon Islands present for the program. Established by the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in 2008, the Vangeke Institute program commenced in 2010 and has seen 152 priests and 2 deacons participate in the program.  

 

“The program is a time for the priests to reflect on their ministry as they interact and share moments of prayer and reflections with their brother priests,” said Bp Dariusz of Goroka and organizer of the program. “It is wonderful to have them reflect and renew themselves here at the centre. During these six weeks, the aim is to share, to strengthen and for the priests to enjoy their priesthood, because we are all called to the fullness of life and love.”

 

The program so far has had sessions on Medical check-up, my health, self-care, diet and hygiene; identity and ministry of priests, following the document: “Spiritual and pastoral guidelines for priests assigned to the dioceses in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Island; Pastoral management and administrative tasks; Called to the fullness of Life and Love – Youth Ministry. It will continue to look at Counselling – what it is and how to do it; a spiritual retreat: New life – first proclamation and the last session on Computer skills and office recording.