Holy Trinity Parish, Bogia, Hosts Priesthood Ordination of SVD Deacon

By Roseanne Kulupi

Archbishop of Madang, His Grace Anton Bal with 21 priests as co-celebrants.

Bogia, Madang Province: Holy Trinity Parish in the Bogia Deanery of Madang Archdiocese hosted the Priesthood Ordination of Fr Philemon Kaumbu SVD on Saturday, 7^th of November 2026.

Many people turned up to witness the ordination. These included local parishioners, clergy men and women, laity, family and friends.

The Ordination Mass was presided over by the Archbishop of Madang, His Grace Anton Bal with 21 priests as Co-celebrants. Amongst the co-celebrants were 16 SVD priests, some of whom had arrived from Mt Hagen, Lae, Wewak, Wabag and Port Moresby.

His Grace used the “The Call of Jeremiah” from the first reading combined with the Affirmation of Faith in the Gospel of John to deliver a compelling homily.

“God had a plan for us while we were in our mother’s womb. Even if we feel, incapable or unworthy like Jeremiah, God is persistent and will fulfil His plan when the time is right,” he said.

He added that Ordination marks the time similar to when God put his finger on Prophet Jeremiah’s lips and commissioned him to do His work without fear.

Referring to the Gospel of John in chapter 21, His Grace revealed that not only was Jesus restoring Peter’s faith by asking 3 times if he loved him, however, by Peter’s same response 3 times signifies consistency.

He concluded that when Jesus calls, our response and love for Him must be consistent.

Fr Philemon Kaumbu who hails from Kongwan in the Bogia District of Madang Province served as a Deacon in Yampu, Enga Province.

He said that the decision to choose Vocation was a personal one, which stemmed from a desire that came from deep within his heart.

He further added that witnessing an Ordination when he was younger also contributed to his decision for Vocation. He affirmed that his parents’ prayers and support had contributed positively to his priesthood journey.

Fr Philemon’s mother Hedwig Sisiri fondly recalled the day her son made the ultimate decision to dedicate his life to God’s Ministry.

“He was at Passam National High when he called to seek our permission regarding his decision for vocation. His Father and I gave our consent and have supported him whole heartedly through prayer, since that day,” she said.

Her support was fully displayed during the Ordination Mass. Accompanied by family members, mama Hedwig released her son to the work of the church.

Fr Philemon with his mother and family during the Ordination Mass.

The Ordination Mass was a blend of Culture and Liturgical Rites with Entrance, Offertory, Gospel Proclamation and Recession processions led by traditional dancers.