Highlands Region Priests Unite for Five-Day Spiritual Retreat in Mendi

Mendi: From July 7 to 11, 2025, a profound spiritual retreat brought together three bishops and over 70 priests from across the Metropolitan See for the PNG Highlands Region. Held in Mendi, this rare regional gathering of clergy provided a unique opportunity for fraternity, reflection, and renewal in the shared vocation of the priesthood.

Group picture taken after the retreat.

The retreat was powerfully facilitated by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers from the United States and Mr. Charbel Raish from the Parousia Media, who led the participants through deeply enriching days of prayer and catechesis. Their presentations revolved around themes essential to the priestly identity and mission in the modern world.

The retreat opened with the reflection, "Priest as a Man, Father, and Husband", drawing parallels between the first man, Adam, and the Manhood. Deacon Harold emphasized that, like Adam, every priest is called to Serve, Protect, and Defend—not only the Church but also truth, which the world is desperately longing for. He challenged the clergy not to be afraid to proclaim the truth boldly and reminded them of the cost of authentic priesthood: daily self-sacrifice for the love of the Church.

On the second day, the theme turned to prayer. “Prayer must be our number one priority”, Deacon Harold proclaimed. Drawing inspiration from King David, he highlighted how God looks at the heart—not status, size, or strength—and invites each priest to step out of their comfort zones. “Do we still feel God’s presence within us?” he asked. The day concluded with the powerful reminder: “The Bible is the unedited version of our lives.”

In subsequent sessions, the question “Who is a priest?” led into reflections on sacrifice—both personal and priestly—through the lives of David and Jesus Christ. Deacon Harold invited the priests to view others through the eyes of Christ and to become peacemakers in a divided world. He also courageously shared his personal story of God’s mercy in his own family, challenging participants to forgive past hurts, let go of resentment, and be merciful themselves: “Mercy is going beyond justice and love.”

Mr. Charbel Raish, in the final session, posed two crucial questions: “Why did you become a priest?” and “Why do you serve in Papua New Guinea?” He urged the clergy to rediscover their purpose, re-evangelize their communities, and become “Warriors of Hope” for today’s Church.

Fr Gabriel Wat from Mount Hagen Archdiocese shared his testimony saying that the retreat helped him to identify the Goliath in his priestly and social life—not only to name the obstacles but to recognize the spiritual weapons God has given him to confront and overcome them.

His Lordship Bishop Donald Lippert, OFM Cap from Mendi Diocese emphasized the significance of such gatherings saying that Priests have a retreat every year, but there was a need to invite priests from all the Highlands dioceses to journey together in these spiritual exercises to encourage and inspire them.

"It reminds them that they are not alone. It gives communal witness to their holy vocation. Strengthening the spiritual lives of our priests is among the most important responsibilities of the bishops. Investing in inspiring preachers—both local and international—is well worth it. With good planning, perhaps we can do something like this every two or three years.”

This retreat not only deepened the priests’ spiritual lives but also renewed their commitment to truth, mercy, and mission in their dioceses. It was a living sign of unity and fraternity in the priesthood in Papua New Guinea.

The Metropolitan See for the PNG Highlands Region includes, Mount Hagen, Mendi, Kundiawa, Wabag and Goroka.