Celebrating Faith and Community: A Remarkable Day in Port Moresby

On April 21, 2026, a significant and inspiring event unfolded in Port Moresby, as the bishops and archbishops from every diocese and archdiocese of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands gathered for their Annual General Meeting. Yesterday, as part of the celebration, these leaders embarked on a mission to connect with the faithful across Port Moresby by celebrating Holy Mass in various parishes.

The event was meticulously organized by a dedicated team, with the support of journalism student volunteers from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) and a group of media professionals. Together, they aimed to ensure that the celebrations were well-documented and communicated effectively to the wider community.

In total, 12 enthusiastic students from UPNG and 6 experienced media professionals participated in covering the masses held at different parishes throughout the city. Each student was assigned to a specific parish where they worked closely with the bishops, capturing the essence of the services and the joy of the congregations.

Following the Mass, the students were transported to the Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) headquarters for closing remarks and a presentation ceremony. During this event, certificates of appreciation were awarded to the students in recognition of their contributions, before they were returned to their campus.

This initiative was a collaborative endeavour spearheaded by the CBC Media team, which included an officer from the Social Communications Commission (SOCOM), the Caritas PNG Communications Officer, and the Media Officer to the General Secretary of CBCPNGSI. The media professionals involved comprised the Communications Officer for Catholic Church Health Services and former Media Officers of the CBCPNGSI.

The successful integration of student volunteers and experienced media personnel not only enhanced the event's coverage but also fostered a spirit of community and support within the church. This program highlighted the importance of collaboration in nurturing the next generation of journalists while simultaneously celebrating the rich faith of the communities in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.