CBC PNGSI addresses media as AGM nears ending

Alexishafen, Madang: As the Annual General Meeting of the Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands nears its end, a media conference was held on Thursday May 8, 2025 to give an update about the progress of the AGM.

From left to right: Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Bishop Otto Separy and Archbishop Anton Bal during the Press Conference.

Speaking at the panel were His Grace Archbishop Anton Bal, Archbishop of the hosting Diocese of the AGM 2025, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops Conference and His Lordship Bishop Otto Separy, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference.

The brief program began with an opening prayer by Archbishop Anton Bal followed by his words of acknowledgement as the local ordinary of the hosting diocese of the 66th AGM.

Archbishop Bal extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who in their own way, played a role in the success of the AGM.

On his address as the second speaker, Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM gave an update on the Cause of Canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot.

“We recently had a press conference when it was just announced that our very own Blessed Peter ToRot was going to be canonized a Saint. We were able to organize a little bit during the AGM, although we are not sure yet of the specific date”

Bishop Rozario disclosed that all the Bishops of CBC PNGSI intend to go to the Vatican for the Canonization mass and they were also discussing the possibility of taking some representatives of each diocese.

“Once the date is set, we will also be extending the invitation to our Government officials, the Prime Minister and the Governor General and the government officials and our benefactors to join us for this historical event in the church”

He also stated that in terms of celebrations in the local church, there will be celebrations in Rakunai, the birth place of Blessed Peter ToRot.

“We will have programs leading up to the mass because Blessed Peter ToRot stood for the sanctity of the marriage, he offered his life and suffered martyrdom because he was faithful to the teaching of the Church”

Bishop Rozario concluded by encouraging everyone to continue to pray for the election of the new Pope so that the Canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot can go ahead.

In his address, Bishop Otto Separy began by acknowledging the Archdiocese of Madang for their hospitality and for being generous hosts before giving a brief background on the theme.

“This year’s theme for the AGM is Journeying in Communion with the Youth in Hope because last year during our AGM, we were looking at the youth and how we can help them. Our theme coincides with this year’s Jubilee theme We are Pilgrims of hope”.

He said that this year’s AGM had the participation of 4 Archbishops, 16 Bishops and 1 Diocese Administrator with the absence of two Bishops – Bishop Ronald Vunuvung from Kavieng Diocese and His Eminence John Cardinal Ribat MSC as he attended the Pope’s funeral and is currently taking part in the conclave.

He also said the AGM is an opportunity for all Bishops to gather and discuss important matters affecting the Church and its people, the Church’s partnerships with the government in service delivery and many other issues. This is also an opportunity to evaluate the Church’s service delivery and pastoral accompaniment to its people and discuss ways forward as a Church.

“Of the many things discussed during the AGM, two topics in particular were the highlights as they were very important – the Canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot and the Jubilee Year. With the understanding of the current situation of making PNG a Christian nation, we have decided to focus our theme for the next Pastoral Letter to be ‘How can I live my life as a Christian?’ and said the pastoral letter is still being drafted”.

Bishop Otto concluded his talk by encouraging everyone to be pilgrims of hope and have hope despite the many challenges we face everyday.

The next AGM will be held in Port Moresby.