Lae: The Catholic Professionals Society of PNG launched its 4th Diocesan Chapter in Lae on Sunday, 3rd October after Port Moresby, Alotau and Madang.
The launching was officiated by the Apostolic Nuncio to PNGSI, His Excellency Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez together with Bishop Rozario Menezes, SMM of the Diocese of Lae. Concelebrating at the Eucharist was Fr. Victor Roche, Secretary for New Evangelization Commission. The CPS Central Committee was represented by President Paul Harricknen, Vice President Dr. Patricia Paraide and Mrs. Helen Harricknen.
During the Eucharist, 14 men and women of various professional backgrounds were commissioned where they took their oath of membership and gave their pledge of commitment to the Society and to the Church to be “a light and a voice of Catholic faith” in their families, communities and workplaces. Candle lights were carried and small metal crosses and Blessed Peter ToRot’s prayer cards for families were handed out to the new members symbolizing a commitment to a life of service and fidelity.
Archbishop Fermin encouraged members and all Catholics to live out a life of engagement, commitment, and fidelity in work and relationships. Bishop Rozario highlighted the need for Gospel values and Catholic Church teaching to permeate the secular world of politics and social life. Fr. Victor stressed on the three P’s of “pray, persistence and pray”.
Mr Harricknen expressed gratitude to Archbishop Fermin’s attendance as a sign of Rome’s continued interest in the work of the Catholic Professionals in PNG. He thanked Bishop Rozario for allowing the establishment of the Lae Chapter and highlighted its importance, which in the future may become the centre of CPS and Church activities because of its central location.