Advent: A Season of Hope and Mission for the Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

As the Catholic Church around the world enters the Season of Advent, the faithful of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands join in this sacred time of hope, reflection, and joyful expectation of the Lord’s coming. For our local Church—rich in cultural diversity, youthful faith, and vibrant communities—Advent carries a profound meaning rooted in our shared journey as the People of God in the islands of Oceania.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that in Advent “the Church makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah” (CCC 524). In PNG and Solomon Islands, this longing takes on a unique cultural depth, expressed through community gatherings, singing, devotional groups, and Small Christian Community (SCC) liturgies.

Across the archipelagos, Advent is a moment to pause from the busyness of daily life—gardening, fishing, work, and school—to prepare our hearts for Christ who comes to us in history, in mystery, and in glory.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNG/SI) reminds the faithful that this Advent occurs within the Church’s broader call to synodality. As Pope Francis emphasizes, the Church is “a people who walk together,” listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another.

In our region, this means strengthening communion between dioceses, supporting pastoral workers in remote areas, and ensuring that every voice—from the highlands to the atolls—is heard and valued. Advent becomes an invitation to deepen unity as the Body of Christ.

The prophet Isaiah’s message—so central to Advent—resonates powerfully in our islands: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). Many communities across PNG and the Solomons face challenges such as environmental threats, economic struggles, conflict, and social instability. Yet the Church continues to stand as a beacon of hope.

In Ecclesia in Oceania, Saint John Paul II affirmed that the peoples of Oceania possess “a deep thirst for hope” and that the Gospel offers “the light which guides our path.” This hope is renewed each Advent as the Church proclaims the coming of Emmanuel—God-with-us, who enters our struggles and transforms them.

In Lumen Gentium, Mary is “the model of the Church in faith and charity.” Her humble “yes” to God inspires families, youths, catechists, and religious across PNG and the Solomon Islands. Many parishes honour her through Advent novenas, Marian hymns in local languages, and candlelit rosaries that echo the spirit of waiting and trust.

Mary reminds our communities that Advent is not only about looking back to Bethlehem but also looking forward to Christ’s coming into our present realities.

Advent in Oceania includes a powerful social dimension. The pastoral teachings of the Church—especially Gaudium et Spes—call the faithful to work for justice and serve the vulnerable. Across PNG/SI, Advent initiatives include caring for the elderly, visiting prisons, supporting survivors of violence, and assisting families affected by natural disasters.

 The bishops also encourage the faithful to reflect deeply on care for creation, echoing Laudato Si’. As stewards of one of the world’s most biologically rich regions, our Advent preparation includes protecting our forests, oceans, rivers, and reefs—gifts of God entrusted to our peoples.

While cultural traditions differ across islands and provinces—whether through singsing groups, youth gatherings, Advent retreats, or choir preparations—the message remains the same: Christ desires a place in our hearts.

As Pope Francis beautifully stated, “Advent is the season of God’s closeness.” This closeness is experienced in the welcoming of refugees, generosity toward the poor, reconciliation within families, and the strengthening of parish life.

As the Advent candles burn brighter each week, the Church of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands journeys toward Christmas with renewed faith. Guided by our bishops, animated by the mission of the CBC PNG/SI, and strengthened by the Gospel, we prepare to welcome Christ—the Light of the World and the Hope of Oceania.

May this Advent be a season of prayer, unity, and joyful mission for all our communities, so that when the Saviour comes, He may find our hearts ready and our islands filled with His peace.