"A Shepherd Loved: Religious Priests and Sisters of Kundiawa Diocese Celebrate Their Bishop in Faith and Fellowship"

Kundiawa, Papua New Guinea — In a quiet, faith-filled corner of the Highlands, a powerful story of unity, love, and respect continues to unfold. The religious men and women of the Diocese of Kundiawa are living out one of the Church’s most profound teachings: to love, support, and walk closely with their bishop as he leads the flock entrusted to his care.

Priests and the Religious take a group picture with His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu

In the past two years, this message has come alive in beautiful and symbolic ways. In 2024, on the joyful occasion of Bishop Paul Sundu’s birthday on July 27, the religious community organized a pilgrimage to the Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in the Diocese of Mendi. It was a day marked by prayer, reflection, and celebration — a spiritual gift from those who serve alongside their bishop in the vineyard of the Lord.

This year, in 2025, the bond grew even stronger. The religious group journeyed with Bishop Sundu to the Rukus Divine Mercy Shrine in Jiwaka Province — a serene place of worship and divine encounter. There, away from the weight of diocesan administration and pastoral responsibilities, the bishop was able to find refreshment in the company of his spiritual family.

“It is an opportunity for us, religious, to be with our bishop and to discuss matters relating to our pastoral work,” shared Sr. Mercy Jose, SMMI, Secretary of the Religious Group in Kundiawa. “It is a time for evaluation and better planning for our future programs.”

More than a birthday celebration, these pilgrimages are a witness to the Church’s teachings on the sacred relationship between the bishop and his collaborators.

Bishop Paul Sundu receiving his gift

Rooted in the Teachings of the Church

The actions of the Kundiawa religious community echo the heart of Lumen Gentium (LG 27), which calls the faithful to “cling to their bishop as the Church clings to Jesus Christ.” By walking with Bishop Sundu — spiritually and physically — the religious have demonstrated this unity in profound simplicity.

According to Christus Dominus (CD 28), bishops should be able to rely on the “filial respect” and cooperation of their priests and religious. The Diocese of Kundiawa models this beautifully, as the majority of its religious men and women — many from India and  Madagascar  — bring their own cultural richness into a shared mission.

The Church further teaches in Pastores Gregis (PG 44) that bishops can count on the “cordial collaboration of all.” And indeed, Bishop Sundu has found not just collaborators, but a family in his religious community — a group that prays for him, walks beside him, and encourages him with joy and dedication.

As the Code of Canon Law reminds the faithful in Can. 212 and Can. 273, support for the bishop must include respect, counsel offered with charity, and a spirit of obedience. These values are clearly embraced by the religious men and women in Kundiawa who find in their bishop a father, a brother, and a shepherd.

His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu cutting the cake as the priests and religious sing and clap.

A Model for the Church

This visible expression of unity and pastoral collaboration reflects the words of Apostolorum Successores (AS 13), describing the bishop as a father, brother, and friend. In Kundiawa, this vision is not only taught but lived.

Whether in prayer, pilgrimage, or pastoral planning, the religious priests and sisters of Kundiawa embody the Catechism’s teaching (CCC 895, CCC 936) that the bishop, as a successor to the apostles, must be supported in his sacred task of caring for souls.

Their love is not sentimental — it is rooted in commitment, guided by doctrine, and nourished by faith.

The Power of Witness

In a world where leadership often isolates, the story of Bishop Paul Sundu and his religious family shines as a beacon of what the Church can be when shepherd and flock walk in communion. It is a living testimony to the Church’s call for mutual trust, collaboration, and above all, love.

Priests take a group picture with His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu

As the Diocese of Kundiawa continues its mission, it stands as a witness to the universal Church: that care for one’s bishop is not only a responsibility — it is a blessing.

And in that blessing, the Church grows stronger.

“The bishop can count on the active, convinced and cordial collaboration of all, beginning with the priests.” — Pastores Gregis 44

Let this be the path for all dioceses — a path of unity, prayer, and joyful service.