CBC Staff Celebrate Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

PORT MORESBY, 24 June 2026 – Staff of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI) gathered this morning at the CBC Chapel for a Holy Eucharistic Celebration marking the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Mathew Sobin, PIME, who reflected on the life and mission of St. John the Baptist, describing him as a precursor, forerunner, and herald of Jesus Christ.

Fr. Mathew Sobin PIME, the main celebrant of the Holy Eucharistic clebration today.

In his homily, Fr. Sobin highlighted the unique role of St. John the Baptist in salvation history. He recalled how John, even while in his mother Elizabeth’s womb, recognized the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary and leapt with joy. This joyful recognition, he said, revealed John's special mission of preparing the way for the Lord.

Reflecting on John's life, Fr. Sobin noted that although he was born into a privileged priestly family as the son of Zechariah, he willingly gave up worldly status and comfort to embrace God's call. Choosing a life of simplicity in the desert, clothed in camel skin and sustained by locusts and wild honey, John dedicated himself entirely to preparing for the coming of Christ.

Drawing a connection between the saint's example and the daily work of CBC staff, Fr. Sobin encouraged those present to embrace their responsibilities with the same commitment and dedication shown by St. John the Baptist.

Under the cross, Fr. Mathew Sobin PIME lifts the Bread of Life - a quiet invitation to believe

“As members of the CBC family, each of us has been entrusted with a particular role and mission,” he said. “Like John the Baptist, we are called to shape ourselves physically, emotionally, spiritually, and professionally to serve faithfully in the responsibilities given to us.”

Fr. Sobin emphasized that true fulfilment comes when individuals align themselves with their God-given vocation and mission. He reminded staff that faithfulness in service leads to what he described as “spiritual joy” – an inner sense of contentment and peace that comes from carrying out one's responsibilities with sincerity and dedication.

The celebration concluded with a prayer that all CBC staff may continue to grow in their commitment to their respective ministries and offices, following the example of St. John the Baptist in preparing the way for Christ through their service to the Church.