Kerema Diocese Celebrates Feast of Divine Mercy with Five-Day Spiritual Gathering

A five-day program marking the Feast of Divine Mercy was held in the Diocese of Kerema from April 9th to 13th, 2026, at St. Pius Parish, Putei. The event drew more than 400 participants, including a large number of young people from the four mountain regions as well as the host community of Putei.

His Excellency Bishop Pedro Baquero SVD, during the Eucharistic Celebration at St. Pius Parish

Many of the faithful travelled from distant outstations, some walking for hours and even days, in order to take part in the celebration. Their commitment and sacrifice reflected a deep devotion and desire for spiritual renewal.

The program featured daily morning Mass, followed by Holy Hours, alongside a range of spiritual and social activities. These included action songs, drama performances, creative dances, and the sharing of personal testimonies, all of which enriched the faith experience of the participants.

Those in attendance represented several parishes, including Sacred Heart Bema Parish, St. Michael Hawabango, St. Peter Chanel Kamina, St. John the Baptist Kanabea, and the host parish, St. Pius Putei.

The catholic faithful of Putei in attendance of the eucharistic celebration

According to the Parish Priest, Fr. Paul Gabriel, the event is set to become an annual celebration held on Divine Mercy Sunday. He noted that it is a recognized devotional gathering within the Diocese of Kerema and is the first celebration of its kind in the diocese. Initially, it will continue to be celebrated in the mountainous regions, with plans to expand to the coastal areas in the future. The next hosting is scheduled to take place at Bema Catholic Mission Station in the Kaintiba District.

The gathering culminated in the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12th, followed by a farewell Mass on Monday, April 13th. The closing Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Bishop Pedro Baquero, SDB, and was marked by a vibrant liturgy animated by the youth of Sacred Heart Bema Parish.

In his homily, Bishop Pedro delivered an inspiring message centered on the power of prayer and forgiveness. He reminded the faithful that “prayer is the weapon of peace,” encouraging them to forgive those who gossip about or persecute them. Drawing from the Acts of the Apostles, he reflected on how the early disciples, despite facing opposition, remained steadfast in their mission to proclaim the Gospel.

He further emphasized the strength found in unity, noting that even in the absence of a prayer leader, catechist, or priest, the simple act of gathering in prayer—especially on Sundays—strengthens the community, for there is true power in unity.

The program concluded with a thanksgiving Mass as the faithful prepared to depart the following day. The organizing committee expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to share in the five days of prayer and fellowship, particularly acknowledging the inspiration drawn from the mountain region participants and the generosity of the St. Pius Parish community, who provided food and hospitality throughout the event.

Mrs. Adamson expressed her hope that next year’s celebration will attract even more participants. She noted with joy the eagerness shown by men and young people to learn and grow in their faith.

Among the participants was Mr. Alex Cletus, an elementary school teacher from Sacred Heart Bema Parish, who undertook a three-day and three-night journey with fellow parishioners to attend the gathering. He shared that throughout their journey, they experienced the guiding presence of God, which filled them with joy and spiritual encouragement. He also appreciated the opportunity to engage in faith-sharing activities with members from other parishes.

At the conclusion of the final Mass, Bishop Pedro imparted special prayers and blessings upon the sick, the elderly, and the blind. The celebration came to a close with a solemn hymn, leaving the faithful in a spirit of peace and prayer.

The Feast of Divine Mercy gathering brought together believers from various communities, highlighting the importance of prayer, unity, and trust in God’s guidance, and strengthening the bonds of faith within the Diocese of Kerema.