Bishop Otto Separy urges graduands to “Be the good shepherd”

On Sunday, 26 April, the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in Port Moresby welcomed His Excellency Bishop Otto Separy, Bishop of Bereina and President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI), for a special Mass with students and staff. Bishop Separy was in Port Moresby for the Bishops’ Annual General Meeting (AGM), during which the bishops went out to lead Masses in various parishes and communities around the city. As part of this outreach, Bishop Separy celebrated Mass at UPNG.

His Excellency Bishop Otto Separy elevates the host during the Eucharistic prayer

The celebration was led by members of the Catholic Students Association (CSA), with the choir under the direction of Mr. Gideon Giovadulu. Bishop Separy noted that it had been about seven years since he last celebrated Mass at UPNG. Returning to the campus, he expressed his joy at seeing the Catholic community alive in faith, service, and fellowship.

He thanked the students and staff for their warm welcome and encouraged them to continue building a strong Catholic presence at the university. In his homily, inspired by the Sunday Gospel from John 10:1–10, Bishop Separy reflected on Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He urged everyone present to “be the good shepherd” in their own lives, whatever their role, vocation, or field of work.

He spoke especially to the students who will be graduating in the coming week, reminding them that leadership rooted in Christ means caring for others, seeking the truth, and standing up for what is right. “Wherever you go after this university,” he said, “you are called to guide, protect, and serve others with compassion. Be shepherds who listen, who accompany, and who lead people closer to God.” Bishop Separy also encouraged vocations to the priesthood and religious life, inviting young people to remain open to God’s call.

Bishop Otto Separy blessed a student during the holy mass at UPNG chaplaincy

At the same time, he emphasized that every Christian, regardless of their path, has a mission in the Church and in society. “Once you are Catholic, you are Catholic for life,” he reminded the congregation, urging them to hold fast to their faith and to live it courageously.

At the conclusion of the Mass, students brought forward their soccer club jerseys and other symbols of their activities for a blessing. This gesture highlighted the desire of the UPNG Catholic community to invite God’s guidance not only in their studies, but also in sports, friendships, and all aspects of university life. The celebration ended with a sense of gratitude, hope, and renewed commitment to being “good shepherds” in the footsteps of Christ.