CBC Staff Commemorates PNG’s Golden Jubilee with Thanksgiving Mass

Gordons, Port Moresby: The different commissions of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands gathered on Friday September 12, 2025 in a heartfelt thanksgiving mass to commemorate PNG’s golden jubilee and to reflect on the journey and contribution of the Catholic Church to the country.

Staff of CBC PNGSI take a group picture after mass

The main celebrant of the mass was Fr Joseph Amith Emanuvel CM, Director for Radio Maria PNG.

In his homily, Fr Amith reflected on the country’s journey into nationhood and the collaboration between our forefathers and the people of a thousand tribes that stood by them to get a peaceful independence without bloodshed.

“The unity of the people and their support towards our forefathers shows that they were able to put their differences aside and work together to achieve a common purpose – Independence. This unity and collaboration may have been lost somewhere along the way but there is still hope that one day, we can all be united again to work towards achieving a better, peaceful and thriving PNG”

He concluded his homily by encouraging everyone to be vigilant and hopeful and look at PNG from a different perspective with hope that goes beyond tribal fighting, corruption, inflation and social issues.

He also urged everyone to reflect on their individual contribution to the country.

“Change starts from within so we must ask ourselves how we can contribute to the country’s growth. We must not look nor expect big changes, but we can start small and simple by changing our way of thinking and doing little things correctly.

The mass was followed by a brief outside program where the staff sang the national anthem and recited the national pledge before taking a group photo to mark the occasion.

CBC General Secretary Reverend Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj in his Independence message said that Independence reminds us not of the sacrifice of our founding fathers but also the shared responsibility to uphold the values of democracy, unity and peace.

“As people blessed with diversity, we are called to walk together in mutual respect, solidarity and dialogue to ensure that progress reaches every section of our society, especially the poor, the marginalized and the vulnerable”

He concluded his message by stressing that true patriotism is not merely words but in our commitment to justice, equality and our commitment to the common good.

The program ended with a luncheon where the staff shared a meal and reflected on the country’s journey and looked forward to another 50 years of service delivery and pastoral service.