CBC Bids Farewell to Msgr. Federico Boni with Mass of Gratitude and Reflection

Gordons: On Wednesday, August 6th, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands hosted a farewell Mass for the outgoing Secretary of the Apostolic Nunciature, Monsignor Federico Boni.

From left to right: Monsignor Federico Boni, CBC President Bishop Otto Separy and CBC Vice President Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM.

The Mass was held on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, making the occasion especially meaningful. The Solemn occasion had the Alumni from St Mary’s Vuvu in East New Britain Province take the lead in the choir with their angelic voices.

The Mass began with a vibrant procession led by a traditional group from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Their dancing and traditional dress highlighted the beauty of the local culture giving thanks to God for the unique identity of the people.

The Mass was presided over by Bp. Otto Separy, President of CBC PNGSI, and concelebrated by Vice President Bp. Rozario Menezes SMM and Msgr. Federico Boni.

In his welcome remarks before the introductory rites of the mass, Bishop Otto welcomed Monsignor Federico and thanked him for his service to the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and invited those present to pray for Msgr. Boni as he takes up his new assignment in the Vatican.

In a fitting and inspiring homily, Msgr. Federico shared that in the Feast of the Transfiguration, the Transfiguration of the Lord, celebrates the particular revelation of Christ’s true identity, His divine identity, His glorious identity. It is the moment when Jesus, or rather, God himself reveals to the three closest disciples Peter, James and John, the fullness of His nature and through them, to all of us.

“This celebration is grounded in a historical event, something that truly happened, a miraculous moment in the public life of Jesus before his death and resurrection. It takes place before those pivotal moments but carries profound meanings that extend beyond his death and resurrection. In this event, the Lord unveils himself in all his glory, showing us who he truly is.

He also highlighted a key element of this event, one that distinctly characterizes this feast, the Theophany. He later defined Theophany as the manifestation of God, a grand, solemn revelation.

“This manifestation – the Theophany on the mountain – represents the affirmation from God the Father of Christ’s mission on earth. This is my beloved Son, listen to him. This is the highest form of Theophany. But there is another crucial word in today’s reading that should not escape our attention. The Father declares: “This is my beloved son’’ but he also commands: “Listen to him”. The Father gives us a clear instruction: to listen to the message of the son, to listen to Jesus. Even the Blessed Virgin, at the wedding in Cana – she who ‘listened, pondered and treasured God’s words in her heart’, told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them”

Monsignor Federico Boni concluded his homily by encouraging everyone to listen to Jesus and not merely hear and act upon his commandments, especially the first and greatest commandment - Love.

“Today, we are celebrating together the Eucharist, in a sense, our own Theophany, a manifestation of God. As we receive him in the bread, he enters our heart, begins transforming us from the inside and transfigures us in a profound and personal way. This feast is not only a celebration of the Transfiguration of Christ but also a foretaste of our own transfiguration. As we descend from this mountaintop experience and return to our daily lives to our duties after partaking in the Eucharist, we can continue to be transfigured, shining with his light, to spread his Love and example to others”.

Before the final blessing, Sr. Daisy Anne Lisana MSC delivered a heartfelt message on behalf of the General Secretary, Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj. She highlighted Msgr. Federicos’s many contributions to the Church in PNG and Solomon Islands, expressing gratitude for his leadership, humility, and commitment.

“During his time in PNG, Msgr. Federico demonstrated exceptional leadership, balancing the demands of diplomacy with the pastoral needs of the local Church. His tenure was marked by compassion, grace, and an unyielding commitment to building stronger relationships between the Catholic Church and local communities. He has been described as a “diplomat, a counselor, and a friend” by many within the Church, both in PNG and the Solomon Islands.”

Bp. Rozario Menezes SMM also shared some personal reflections, praising Msgr. Federicos’s critical role during the preparations for Pope Francis’ visit in 2024. He noted how Msgr. ensured smooth communication between the Vatican, the local Church, and the government, often in the face of great challenges. Bp. Rozario said one of Msgr.’s greatest gifts was his ability to offer hope during difficult times.

As a token of appreciation, Bp. Rozario presented Msgr. Federico with a special farewell gift on behalf of the Conference, a hand-painted portrait on canvas.

Msgr. Federico receiving the token of appreciation from the CBC Vice President Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM and the General Secretary Fr Lawrence Aorckiaraj

The Mass concluded with a final traditional procession by the Bougainville group, closing the ceremony with cultural pride and beauty.

Msgr. Federico Boni has been recalled to the Vatican, where he will now serve in the Section for Relations with States and International Organizations. His new appointment, effective from mid-August, marks the end of a remarkable three-year mission in PNG, where he played a key role in Church affairs, particularly during the historic Papal Visit from September 6–9, 2024.

Though he is leaving, Msgr. Federico’s message remains to be people of faith, to live with purpose, and to be proud of where we come from.