Catholic Professionals Society Looks to the Future as It Celebrates a Year of Faith and Renewal
- Admin
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
The Catholic Professionals Society (CPS) of Papua New Guinea has concluded a year of remarkable spiritual renewal, institutional growth, and national engagement, while preparing for an important transition in leadership.
Presenting his report at the Society’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, President Paul Harricknen described the past year as one of transformation, marked by the commissioning of the Society’s Rule of Life, expanding formation programs, stronger governance, and a renewed commitment to serving both the Church and the nation.
“The Rule of Life is more than a document,” Harricknen told members. “It is a guide for living our Catholic faith faithfully in our professional lives and in service to the common good.”
The Rule of Life, formally commissioned in February this year, has become the spiritual foundation of the Society, encouraging Catholic professionals to integrate prayer, ethical leadership, and Gospel values into their daily work. Formation workshops and retreats have followed, with plans to extend the program to diocesan chapters in Lae, Alotau, and Madang.
Membership has continued to grow steadily, with 161 members now serving through five chapters across the country. The Society believes this growth reflects an increasing desire among Catholic professionals to deepen their faith while contributing positively to national development.
Responding to the challenges facing the nation, CPS has also revived its Catholic Platform initiative ahead of the 2027 National General Election. The project seeks to promote leadership founded on justice, integrity, human dignity, and the social teachings of the Church.
Building on the joy surrounding the canonisation of Saint Peter ToRot, the Society has launched a quarterly formation series to inspire Catholics to witness boldly to their faith in public life. The initiative encourages professionals to see their occupations not simply as careers, but as vocations through which they serve God and society.
The Society also continues its evangelisation efforts through the Voice of the Church program on Radio Maria and its monthly publication, The Catholic Professional, while work progresses on a new website that will strengthen communication with members throughout Papua New Guinea.
Institutionally, CPS achieved incorporation under the amended IPA Act and obtained a Certificate of Good Standing, providing a stronger governance framework for the Society’s future mission.
Among its public advocacy initiatives, CPS continues to promote the establishment of a National Constitution Day as an opportunity to strengthen civic responsibility, democratic values, and appreciation for the nation’s constitutional heritage.
The meeting also endorsed Dame Jean Kekedo for honorary membership in recognition of her lifelong witness of faith, leadership, and distinguished service to the Church and the people of Papua New Guinea.
In a significant announcement, Harricknen confirmed that he will not seek another term when the current Board concludes its mandate in 2027. He called on members to embrace the coming year as a period of discernment and succession.
“Leadership is a sacred trust entrusted to us for a season, and every season calls for renewal. I am confident that God is already preparing new leaders who will continue to build upon the foundations we have laid together,” he said.
As it enters a new chapter, the Catholic Professionals Society remains committed to its mission of forming faithful Catholic professionals who live the Gospel through integrity, competence, servant leadership, and dedicated service to the Church and the nation.
The Society believes that by nurturing spiritually grounded professionals, it can make a lasting contribution to building a more just, compassionate, and Christ-centred Papua New Guinea.
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