Buka – Atolls Deanery women convene at St Pius X Parish – Gogohe for August 15 celebrations

Gogohe, Buka: “Be like an eagle! Discover your purpose and identity in God and soar high!”

His Lordship Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF during mass.

These were the powerful words of His Lordship Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF on the Catholic Women’s Association of the Buka – Atolls Deanery gathering on Friday August 15, 2025 at the St Pius X Parish in Gogohe.

Gathered at the joyful event were almost five thousand women, men, youth and children.

The day started with reports from the Catholic Women’s Association executive council followed by a short address by the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNGSI Social Communications Secretary Sr Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine MSC.

In her short address, Sr Daisy commended the women for being home – makers and playing an active role in the church.

Sr Diasy Anne Lisania Augustine MSC giving her talk to the mothers before mass

“Your diligence in your families and the church will enable you to receive more blessings from our Mother Mary who was a loving mother who followed her son Jesus in his ministry”

A Eucharist Celebration had His Lordship Bishop Dariusz Kaluza MSF as the main celebrant. Joining him as concelebrants were Parish Priest of St Pius X Fr Robert Torosi and Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish Priest Fr Biljohn Arienza MSP.

Bishop Dariusz opened his inspiring homily with a story of an eagle’s egg that was put with chicken eggs to hatch.

Choir group entertaining the crowd

“The eaglet grew up with chicks and so he behaved like one. He didn’t know that he was special and every time he looked up to the sky and see other eagles flying, he would always wish he could fly high and see other places. We are like this eagle! When we don’t realize the unique gifts and blessings we were given by our Lord, we keep comparing our lives to others and we keep wishing that things would be different for us. But when we find our purpose in God, we stop comparing and wishing and we start appreciating our life with everything we have”

Bishop Dariusz concluded his homily by encouraging those present to appreciate the different blessings they receive from the Lord and to indulge in God’s word to be like Mother Mary in their respective families in providing love and care.

A mother receiving communion from Fr Biljohn Arienza MSP

The colourful processions during the mass added reverence to the Solemnity of the celebrations.

Outside activities of speeches, feasting and entertainment followed after the mass.

Dignitaries present in the celebrations were Member for Hagogohe Constituency in the Autonomous Bougainville Government Hon. Robert Hamal Sawa and Member for North Bougainville to the PNG Government Hon. Francesca Semoso.

Ieta group performing their item.

The day was well observed in prayer, recreation, reflection and networking and had parishioners from Our Lady of the Assumption Parish – Hahela, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish – Buka Town, St Pius X Parish – Gagan, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish – Hanahan, St Therese of the Child Jesus Parish – Lemanmanu, Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Parish – Carterets Island, St Joseph the worker Parish – Sigon and St Anthony of Padua Parish – Tungol.