Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Bravi Calls for Unity, Prayer at Installation of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie in Wabag

WABAG, Enga Province — August 21, 2025

In a historic moment for the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea, His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, the Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, delivered a moving address at the installation of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie as the new Bishop of Wabag Diocese. This marks Archbishop Bravi’s first pastoral visit outside Port Moresby since his appointment as the Vatican’s representative.

His Excellency Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to PNGSI giving his speech.

Gathered under a gentle rain, hundreds of faithful, clergy, and dignitaries filled the Wabag Cathedral grounds to witness the solemn and joyful occasion. The installation comes following the death of Bishop Arnold Orowae, whose memory was honored during the liturgy.

“One of the most intense and important moments in the life of the community is the installation of its new bishop,” Archbishop Bravi declared at the beginning of his address. “It is truly consoling to see from here the most beautiful face of this Diocese of Wabag, called to welcome its new pastor, Bishop Justin.”

The Nuncio highlighted the deep pastoral significance of the day and called on the community to support Bishop Justin with prayer and affection. Addressing the new bishop directly, Archbishop Bravi invited him to see in the gathered faithful the face of the Church he is now called to shepherd.

“Dear Bishop Justin, allow me to invite you to contemplate the duty of this festive, faithful, joyful and devout assembly now under the rain,” he said. “This is the flock of Christ, the Good Shepherd, whom you are called from today to lead, to instruct, and to sanctify.”

Bishop Justin Ain Soongie, a native of Enga Province, was ordained a priest in Wabag 20 years ago and had served closely with the late Bishop Orowae as Auxiliary Bishop. His familiarity with the diocese and its people was noted as a special grace in this new chapter.

“This diocese is not unknown to you,” said the Nuncio. “But from today you must look upon this diocesan community with greater affection and charity since you are now its pastor.”

His Excellency Maurizio Bravi during the Installation Mass procession.

In a powerful appeal to pastoral zeal, Archbishop Bravi reminded Bishop Justin of the words of St. Paul: “I have become all things to all, to save at least one. All this I do for the sake of the Gospel.”

Present at the Mass were Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby; Archbishop Clement Papa of Mt Hagen; bishops from the other three suffragan dioceses; Donald Lippert of Mendi, Valentine Gryk of Goroka, Paul Sundu of Kundiawa, Archbishop Emeritus of Mt Hagen Douglas Young,  members of the clergy and religious congregations; as well as provincial leaders and representatives of the Enga government.

The ceremony also marked the first official blessing sent by Pope Leo XIV for a new bishop in Papua New Guinea since his election earlier this year. Archbishop Bravi conveyed the Pope’s paternal greetings and invoked his apostolic blessing upon Bishop Justin and the faithful of Wabag.

As the rain continued to fall gently over the crowd—a symbol, some said, of divine blessing—the spirit of unity, joy, and spiritual renewal was palpable.

“Bishop Justin, may God bless you forever,” concluded Archbishop Bravi, his voice echoing through the upland diocese now entrusted to its native shepherd.