Bishop Walenty Gryk SVD, Calls On Strong Union Among Christians

His Excellency Bishop Walenty Gryk SVD presiding at the altar

The Bishop of the Diocese of Goroka, the Most Reverend Walenty Gryk, SVD, presided over a Eucharistic Celebration on 26th April at the Holy Name of Jesus – Bomana Parish.

The celebration drew a large gathering of the Catholic faithful, who began arriving as early as 7:00 am. The liturgy commenced with a solemn Eucharistic procession, accompanied by joyful hymns led by members of the Bomana Parish community, creating an atmosphere of reverence and prayerful participation.

In his homily, Bishop Gryk reflected on human weakness and God’s loving plan for every individual. He emphasized that God desires each person to live a life that is not only good but also meaningful and fulfilled. Human life, he noted, is not simply about survival, but is entrusted with a mission and purpose given by God.

Central to his message was the theme of vocation. The Bishop described vocation as the divine call through which every person discovers true joy, peace, and fulfilment by aligning their life with God’s will. He reminded the faithful that all states of life—marriage, single life, and religious life—are genuine and worthy vocations when lived faithfully in response to God’s call.

Bishop Gryk further stressed that vocation is not rooted in personal ambition, but in responding generously to God’s invitation. He encouraged the faithful to reflect deeply on their own state of life, whether in marriage or consecrated life, as a path to discerning God’s purpose and experiencing lasting peace and happiness within families.

“There is an inner peace when a person or family follows their true vocation, despite the difficulties that may arise,” he said.

Reflecting on the Gospel and the ministry of the Apostles, the Bishop affirmed Christ as the true Shepherd who knows His flock intimately. He also underscored the importance of Christian unity, noting that division among denominations is not part of God’s divine will. He recalled Christ’s prayer for unity among all believers and extended this call to the Church in Papua New Guinea and throughout the world.

In his concluding remarks, Bishop Gryk encouraged the faithful to attentively listen to the voice of God above all other influences, including those of family and society. While acknowledging the value of human counsel, he reminded the congregation that authentic guidance ultimately comes from God, who often speaks in unexpected and gentle ways.