A Season of Grace and Spiritual Renewal: Welcoming His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok to Papua New Guinea

His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, meets His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

Papua New Guinea warmly welcomes His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, C.Ss.R., who arrived in the country on 20 September to join the Catholic Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands for their annual retreat.

In a significant moment of communion, Cardinal Mykola met with His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, on 21 September. This fraternal encounter reflects the deep unity of the Church and echoes the prayer of Christ: “That they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21).

Who is Mykola Cardinal Bychok?

Born on 13 February 1980 in Ternopil, Ukraine, Cardinal Mykola felt called to follow Christ at age 15, inspired by the missionary zeal of the Redemptorist Fathers. He entered the monastery on 12 July 1997 and was ordained to the priesthood on 3 May 2005. His ministry included missionary work in Ukraine and Russia, and pastoral service as parish vicar in Newark, New Jersey, USA.

On 15 January 2020, Pope Francis appointed him Eparchial Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, shepherding Ukrainian Catholics across Australia, New Zealand and Oceania. He was consecrated bishop on 7 June 2020 and enthroned in Melbourne on 12 July 2021. On 7 December 2024, at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis elevated him to Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church — making him the youngest member of the College of Cardinals and the youngest elector in the 2025 conclave.

Bishop Donald Lippert, Bishop of the Diocese of Mendi, His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok, His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Sir John Cardinal Ribat, Archbishop of the Diocese of Port Moresby, and Bishop Rozario Menezes, Bishop of the Diocese of Lae and President of the CBCPNGSI. (From left to right)

The Bishops' Retreat: Purpose and Duration

The retreat is a consecrated time of intense spiritual renewal, prayer, and fraternity for the shepherds of the Church. It will run from 21 to 26 September 2026.

The daily program is anchored in spiritual discipline: Morning Prayer, Holy Mass, Vespers, Eucharistic Adoration, and the Holy Rosary.

The retreat will also showcase the liturgical and cultural diversity of the local Church, with daily Mass celebrated by bishops representing the four regions of PNG. Listeners of Radio Maria PNG can tune in daily at 11:00 AM from 22-25 September:

•  22 Sept – Momase Region

•  23 Sept – Islands Region

•  24 Sept – Highlands Region

•  25 Sept – Southern Region

On Friday, 25 September, Cardinal Mykola will join main celebrant Sir John Cardinal Ribat to give the homily for the Holy Eucharist organized by the Southern Region.

The Bishops of Papua New Guinea, along with a traditional singsing group, welcome His Eminence Mykola Cardinal Bychok to the CBCPNGSI headquarters.

A Call to the Faithful: Pray With and For Our Bishops

“Feed my lambs... Tend my sheep” (John 21:15-17). A bishop's leadership is humble, sacrificial service, following Christ who “came not to be served but to serve” (Mark 10:45).

All the faithful across Papua New Guinea and Oceania are warmly urged to unite in prayer with and for our bishops during these retreat days. As our spiritual shepherds step away from administrative duties to seek God's grace and wisdom, our prayers sustain them.

Let us ask the Lord to pour out the Holy Spirit upon Cardinal Mykola, Archbishop Bravi, Cardinal Ribat, and all participating bishops — that they may lead the Church with strength, courage, and pastoral charity.