National Family Life Commission Strengthens Family Ministry in Kavieng and Madang

The National Family Life Commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI) continues to strengthen families across the country through pastoral formation programs that promote Christian family values, responsible parenthood, and healthy relationships.

Mr Noel Langu, Assistant Secretary and Project Officer for the National Family Life Commission at CBCPNGSI doing a presentation during his visit to Bramin

As part of its 2026 outreach program, the Commission conducted Family Life workshops in the Diocese of Kavieng and the Archdiocese of Madang, reaching married couples, parents, youth, parish leaders, catechists, and Family Life coordinators.

The first program was held during the final week of May at Manga Parish in the Namatani Deanery of the Diocese of Kavieng. Participants took part in formation sessions focusing on Positive Parenting, Communication in Marriage, Christian

Family Values, and Natural Family Planning through ovulation method education. The workshops provided practical and faith-based guidance to help families respond to the challenges of modern life while strengthening their commitment to Christian living.

Recognising the importance of supporting young people during their formative years, the Commission also conducted separate awareness sessions for primary school boys and girls. These sessions addressed adolescent development, emotional wellbeing, personal growth, self-respect, and responsible decision-making. Parents and teachers welcomed the initiative and acknowledged the importance of providing young people with accurate information grounded in Christian values.

The Commission then continued its pastoral outreach in the Archdiocese of Madang from 1–7 June 2026. The program was facilitated by Mr. Noel Langu, Assistant Secretary and Project Officer of the National Family Life Commission, together with Sr. Vincent, Family Life Coordinator of the Archdiocese of Madang, and a team of seven Family Life leaders.

The team travelled extensively throughout the province, conducting family formation workshops in Jomba Parish and surrounding outstations, Bramin Outstation in Usino-Bundi District, Bogia Parish, Makiar Parish, Alexishafen Parish, and Amele Outstation. In total, the outreach reached five parishes and several outstations across four districts, bringing family ministry directly to communities that often have limited access to such pastoral programs.

At the heart of the workshops was the Commission's pastoral vision: "Protect Life, Preserve Life and Promote Life." Through this vision, participants were encouraged to recognise the dignity of every human person, strengthen marriage and family relationships, and create safe and nurturing environments where children and young people can flourish.

Parishioners at Managa Parish in the Diocese of Kavieng

Workshop topics included Positive Parenting, Marriage Enrichment, Family Communication, Christian Family Values, Faith Formation in the Home, Responsible Parenthood, and the strengthening of parish Family Life groups. Participants actively engaged in discussions, testimonies, and practical exercises designed to strengthen family relationships and address social challenges affecting communities today.

One of the most encouraging outcomes of the outreach was the positive response from participants. Many expressed gratitude that representatives from the National Family Life Commission had visited their communities for the first time. Parents and community leaders shared how the workshops deepened their understanding of parenting, marriage, and family life, while others expressed a desire for ongoing formation and accompaniment.

Reflecting on the outreach, Mr. Noel Langu emphasised the importance of family ministry in the life of the Church.

"The future of our Church and our nation begins in the family. When families are strong, communities become strong, and when communities are strong, the Church flourishes. Our mission is to accompany families, strengthen marriages, support parents, and help create environments where life is protected, preserved, and promoted."

The successful programs in Kavieng and Madang highlight the growing need for family-life formation throughout Papua New Guinea and demonstrate the Church's commitment to bringing pastoral services beyond urban centres and into parish and village communities.

The National Family Life Commission extends its sincere gratitude to the Diocese of Kavieng, the Archdiocese of Madang, parish priests, religious sisters, parish leaders, and all participants whose support and cooperation contributed to the success of these programs. Through such initiatives, the Church continues to uphold the Gospel of Family Life and strengthen families as the foundation of evangelisation, faith formation, and community development throughout Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.