CBC PNGSI HOLDS SECOND COMMISSION SECRETARIES MEETING FOR 2025

Port Moresby, 13 November 2025 — The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI) convened its Second Commission Secretaries Meeting for 2025 today at the Catholic Bishops Conference Headquarters, bringing together heads of various commissions for a full day of updates, reflection, and strategic planning.

Front Row (Left to Right): Fr. Angel Sanchez SDB - (Ecumenism & Interfaith Dialogue), Fr. Lawrence Arockia Raj (General Secretary), Fr. Tomas Ravaioli IVE (Liturgical Catechetical Institute), Fr. Christian Sieland (Pontifical Mission Societies), Back Row: (Left To Right) Mrs Christine Tsuga (Chaplaincies), Mr. Jason Siwat (Migrants and Refugees), Sr. Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine MSC (Social Communications), Ms Charlotte Vada ( Caritas PNG), Sr. Lucy D'Souza MSI ( Laity, Family and Life), Mr. Vincent Sobo (National Education), Sr. Jadwiga Falizek SSpS (Catholic Church Health Services)

The meeting, chaired by General Secretary Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, opened with a prayer led by Sr. Daisy Anne Lisania Augustine, MSC, setting a tone of unity and collaboration for the sessions ahead. Fr. Lawrence provided an overview of administrative developments, current priorities, and ongoing national initiatives coordinated by the Conference.

Several commissions presented updates on their respective programs and challenges. Reports were delivered by the National Catholic Education Commission, Liturgical Catechetical Institute, and the Social Communications Commission, followed by a morning tea break and a group photo session.

The mid-morning program included presentations from Ecumenism and Inter-Faith Dialogue, Pontifical Mission Societies, Service Chaplaincies, Caritas PNG, Catholic Church Health Services, the Laity, Family and Life Commission, and the Migrants and Refugees Desk. Each commission highlighted major accomplishments and key issues requiring collective attention from the Bishops’ Conference leadership.

In the afternoon, discussions focused on financial and administrative matters, led by Mr. Jimmy Son, Ms. Patricia Sarr-Kwasam, Ms. Helen Oa, and Ms. Rosalind Saige. The session provided clarity on budgeting procedures, compliance requirements, and operational processes affecting all commissions.

General Secretary Father Lawrence Arockia Raj making a point during the discussions

An open forum allowed participants to raise concerns, share ideas, and strengthen collaboration across commissions. The General Secretary later delivered a summary of the day’s key points, reaffirming the Conference’s commitment to coordinated mission work across the country.

The program concluded with a closing prayer by Fr. Tomas Ravaioli, followed by afternoon tea.

Apologies for non-attendance were noted from the Youth Commission (Sr. Sharon, OND), Religious Education (Sr. Roshni, SJC), Right Relationships (Sr. Ancy, SCSA), and the Senate for Priestly Formation (Fr. Roshan, OFM). Br. Martin, SVD of the Melanesian Institute, was also noted as unavailable.

Celebrating the birthday of Father Tomas Ravaioli IVE

The Commission Secretaries Meeting serves as one of the CBC’s key coordination platforms to ensure alignment in pastoral priorities, strengthen inter-commission cooperation, and support the Church’s mission of faith formation, social outreach, and pastoral service across Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.