A Shepherd’s Call: Trust, Discernment, and Faith in Archbishop Clement Papa’s Eucharistic Celebration

On 26 April 2026, His Excellency, Archbishop Clement Papa, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Mt Hagen, presided over the first Mass of the day at Mary Help of Christians Shrine at Don Bosco Technological Institute in Port Moresby, during his visit for the Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The celebration brought together students, staff, and members of the faithful in a spirit of prayer, reflection, and unity.

His Excellency, Archbishop Clement Papa presiding over the first mass at Mary’s Help of Christians Shrine at Don Bosco Technical College

In his homily, Archbishop Papa reflected on the meaning of following Jesus, drawing from the Gospel of John, Chapter 10. He spoke on the profound image of Christ as the Good Shepherd and the faithful as His sheep. This passage, he explained, offers a model of true leadership, one rooted in care, guidance, and closeness. Just as a shepherd knows and protects his flock, so too does God remain ever present with His people, calling them to remain close and attentive to Him.

He emphasized the need for believers to remain close to God and to grow in a deeper knowledge of Him. At the heart of his message were two key points. Firstly, he spoke on trust, urging the faithful to place their complete trust in God in all circumstances, especially in moments of uncertainty and trial. Such trust, he noted, strengthens faith and enables one to walk confidently in accordance with God’s will. Secondly, he highlighted the importance of recognising the voice of God. In a world filled with many competing voices, Christians are called to discern and respond to the voice of the Lord, just as sheep recognise the voice of their shepherd.

Archbishop Papa during the Eucharist Prayer and Elevation of the Host

Following the homily, the offertory was taken, and the congregation presented their gifts in thanksgiving. Archbishop Papa then administered Holy Communion, inviting all present to partake in the Eucharist and deepen their communion with Christ.

As the Mass drew to a close, Archbishop Papa made a prayerful appeal, asking the faithful to remember those who have lost trust, particularly in parts of the Western world. He also called for prayers for leaders, that they may remain steadfast in their faith in God and in themselves, and that they may lead with honesty and integrity.

The celebration was a meaningful occasion, echoing Archbishop Papa’s message of trust, attentiveness to the voice of God, and faithful leadership values that continue to resonate within the Church and the wider community.