Kundiawa: After months of construction work, the newly extended Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kundiawa was blessed and opened by His Excellency Most Reverend Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez in the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, 2023.
Picture: Altar of the newly extended Mary Help of Christians Cathedral.
This was one of the last diplomatic visits by the former Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
The celebrations started on December 7, 2023 when parishioners in Kundiawa officially welcomed His Excellency Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodrigues with a big traditional Simbu welcome at the gate of the Cathedral.
Sunday School children then took over from the singsing groups and escorted HE Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez, His Secretary Fr Federico Boni and Bishop Paul Sundu to the stage for speeches.
Later that evening, HE Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez gave a formal address to most religious working in the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa at a solemn dinner hosted at the conference house in Mingende.
On the day of the opening, thousands of people flocked to St Mary’s Cathedral in Kundiawa to witness the blessing and opening of the newly extended Cathedral which is currently considered by many as the most iconic building in Kundiawa. The turquoise building can be seen from faraway places such as Mogl, Konoma and even Kagul – Simbu.
Thanks to NBC and Telikom PNG, a big screen was set up on the ordination stage for those who did not manage to get into the Cathedral to follow the liturgical celebration via live broadcast.
The whole celebration was presided by HE Archbishop Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez and last almost 3 hours and was followed by speeches from community and church representatives.
A partnership between the Voice Inc. and Kundiawa Diocese was also launched to enable survivors of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse to go directly to the office of the Voice Inc. at the Diocesan Head Quarters to seek professional legal assistance.
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