Archbishop Emeritus Douglas Young SVD farewelled by brother Bishops

Alexishafen, Madang: Archbishop Emeritus Douglas William Young SVD from the Archdiocese of Mount Hagen was farewelled during a small ceremony by his brother Bishops on Friday May 10, 2025.

Archbishop Emeritus Douglas Young SVD giving his remarks during the farewell.

The program took place during the farewell dinner of the 66th Annual General Meeting of the Catholic Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

In his remarks, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy thanked Archbishop Emeritus Douglas Young SVD for his immense contribution to the Church.

“I attended the Episcopal Ordination of Archbishop Douglas Young SVD as a young priest some 25 years ago. Tonight, I stand as the President of CBC PNGSI and I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the Bishops of PNGSI for the work that you have done for the Church”

Sharing the same sentiments as Bishop Otto Separy was the Vice President of CBC PNGSI His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM.

Archbishop Emeritus Douglas Young SVD expressed his gratitude to his brother Bishops for their company and support during his years as the local ordinary for the Mount Hagen Archdiocese.

“During the 25 years as the Archbishop of Mount Hagen, I have never missed an AGM. Amidst the busyness of our pastoral activities, the AGM offers us an opportunity to share our experiences and draw strength in our brotherhood”

He now leaves for his vacation in his home country, Australia and will return in August.

When asked what he will be doing after his vacation, he said that he will have a role in the celebration of 150 years of his congregation (SVD) and then he will be ready to take up whatever task that he will be assigned.

“In May, I will be participating in a renewal program in Rome and I hope to take the opportunity to visit some of our former missionaries, maybe for the last time as they are getting older and I doubt if I will go to Europe again”

We wish Archbishop Emeritus Douglas Young SVD a happy retirement and we continue to pray for him.