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Catholic men host gathering in Aitape

Tracey Nateleo

Aitape: A three-day program for the Catholic Men’s Association in the Diocese of Aitape was held from 5th to 8th December with the theme “We are called to Mentor, Lead and Guide our Families to Holiness”.


Hosted by the Diocese of Aitape, for the Catholic Men’s Association, the gathering was the first of its kind and also signified the Closing of the Year of Saint Joseph.


About 210 men from within two Deaneries Aitape and Nuku participated, many of them coming from the outer parishes traveling or walking hours and even days.


The three days program consisted of morning Eucharistic Mass, followed by sessions on various topics such as The Life of St. Joseph, Spirituality of Marriage, Gift of Children, Lukautim Pikinini Act, Midlife Crisis, Non-violence and more.


The opening and closing masses were led by Aitape Diocese’s newly appointed Bishop, Most Reverend Sibby Matthew Peedikayil, HGN. With processions and liturgy done by the participants.


Cecilia Mave, Diocesan Coordinator of Family Life Apostolate reported that the idea of forming the men’s association had taken about two years. And after much consultation with various entities within the Diocese, finally, groups eventuated and now the first rally had taken place.


Mrs. Mave anticipated that next years’ event will see more participants attending. She was happy to see that there was much eagerness from the men to learn and be empowered with such information.


Stanley Towun, President of Nuku Deanery, and Peter Texan Vice President of St. Joachim Parish, Aitape Deanery, both commented that this gathering was a definite eye-opener for all and encouraged more men to join the associations.


“All the sessions presented were really good, for each of us. We felt there was a real need for change in the way that we fathers and men in general conduct our lives. To ensure that we take good care of our families as Saint Joseph did for Blessed Mother Mary and our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Mr Texan.


The closing mass held on Wednesday also coincided with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.


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