Faith Through Sacraments
- Roseanne Kulupi
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
MADANG – Holy Spirit Parish in the Archdiocese of Madang experienced a week of profound spiritual celebration as it marked the Sacraments of Matrimony, Baptism and the Holy Eucharist on 7, 10 and 12 July 2026. The three celebrations highlighted the parish's vibrant faith community and the continuing journey of Christians through the sacramental life of the Church.
The week began on Tuesday, 7 July, with the celebration of the Sacrament of Matrimony, when Jeffery Kaa from Jiwaka Province and Edlyn Mirio from East Sepik Province exchanged their marriage vows during the first anniversary celebration of the Solemnity of St Peter To Rot.
The timing of their wedding gave special meaning to the occasion as the couple reflected on the life and witness of St Peter To Rot, Papua New Guinea's first saint. As a devoted husband, father and catechist who remained faithful to the sanctity of Christian marriage even unto death, St Peter To Rot became a powerful model for the newly married couple as they began their life together.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Archbishop of Madang, His Grace Most Reverend Anton Bal DD, while Fr Marek Kondrat, FD, officiated the Sacrament of Matrimony.
In his homily, Archbishop Bal reflected on the courage and faithfulness of St Peter To Rot during the hardships of war.
"St Peter To Rot stood firm and refused to compromise his Christian beliefs during those trying times of the war. And for that he was killed. He was a layman, a catechist and a family man," His Grace said.
The liturgy also showcased the rich cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea. In honour of the country's first saint, different parts of the Mass were led by the nation's four regions. The Entrance Procession was led by the New Guinea Islands Region, the Gospel Proclamation by the Momase Region, the Offertory Procession by the Highlands Region, and the Recessional Procession by the Southern Region, symbolising the unity of the Church throughout the country.
Just three days later, on Friday, 10 July, Holy Spirit Parish celebrated another significant milestone as more than 50 candidates, ranging from infants to young adults, received the Sacrament of Baptism during a school Mass at Holy Spirit Cathedral.
The liturgy was prepared by the students and teachers of Holy Spirit Primary School, with Fr Marek Kondrat, FD, serving as the principal celebrant.
Reflecting on the Gospel of John (3:1–21), Fr Marek spoke about Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus and the meaning of spiritual rebirth through Baptism.
"We are being born again through the water and the Holy Spirit. The original sin that makes us slaves to sin is washed away forever. That is why we receive Baptism only once. This true Baptism removes from us the stain of sin—the sin of Adam and Eve. Today we witness this beautiful gift of Baptism and rebirth, to be born as children of God," Fr Marek said.
Students, teachers, parents, guardians and family members gathered to witness and celebrate this joyful occasion as the newly baptised entered fully into the Christian community.
The week concluded on Sunday, 12 July, with another joyous celebration as more than 100 students received their First Holy Communion during the parish Eucharistic celebration.
Among the candidates was Grade 4 student Glenny Roger Kundia of Holy Spirit Primary School, who shared his heartfelt experience of receiving the Body of Christ for the first time.
"I felt happy when I first received the Body of Christ. I felt in my heart that Jesus was with me. And in that moment of happiness, I prayed and offered my family back to God."
Glenny's joy reflected the experience of many of the First Holy Communion candidates, who expressed gratitude and happiness as they received Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
The celebration of these three sacraments within a single week served as a powerful reminder of God's grace at work in the lives of His people. From the covenant of Christian marriage, to new life through Baptism, and nourishment in the Holy Eucharist, Holy Spirit Parish witnessed the beauty of faith lived and celebrated through the sacramental life of the Church.
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