Over 400 Catholic Students Gather for National Convention in Goroka

Students pose for a group photo during the TCSU National Convention at the Youth Centre, Diocese of Goroka

More than 400 Catholic students from universities and tertiary institutions across the mainland of Papua New Guinea gathered at the Youth Centre (YC Hall) in the Diocese of Goroka from 25–28 June 2026 for the Tertiary Catholic Students Union (TCSU) Convention under the theme, "Stronger in Faith, Builders of Peace" 

Hosted by the Catholic Students Association (CSA) of the University of Goroka and Goroka Technical College, the four-day convention sought to strengthen the Catholic Students Union across Papua New Guinea by fostering faith, leadership, unity, and service among young Catholics.

The convention brought together participants from the University of Technology (Lae), Divine Word University (Madang), University of Papua New Guinea, Pacific Adventist University, Holy Trinity Teachers College (Mt. Hagen), Don Bosco Technical College (Simbu), Goroka Nursing College, Pom Business College, and other tertiary institutions from the Highlands, Momase, and Southern regions.

The convention commenced with an Opening Mass celebrated by Bishop Valentine Gryk, SVD, Bishop of the Diocese of Goroka. In his homily, Bishop Gryk encouraged the students to remain steadfast in their Catholic faith while pursuing higher education. He reminded them that their academic journey should be guided by Christian values and challenged them to become witnesses of Christ and builders of peace in their campuses and communities.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated each day of the convention by different priests. Following the Opening Mass, Fr. Rijo, Diocesan Youth Coordinator, and Fr. Arnold Schmitt, MHM (Mill Hill Missionary), each celebrated Mass on different days of the gathering. The convention concluded with the Closing Mass celebrated by Fr. Vincent Akpa, SVD, assisted by Fr. Peter, Chaplain of Holy Trinity Teachers College.

The spiritual formation programme featured presentations by Fr. James Lual, SDB, Fr. Arnold Schmitt, MHM, Fr. Gabriel Wama, Vicar of the Archdiocese of Mt. Hagen, Anthony and Anna Feola, and Thomas Hornacek from the USA. Through Scripture, personal testimonies, interactive discussions, and practical reflections, the facilitators challenged students to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, strengthen their Catholic identity, embrace servant leadership, and become missionary disciples in their respective institutions.

Participants also engaged in daily prayer, praise and worship, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Adoration, Eucharistic celebrations, and liturgical ministries led by the participating institutions. The convention was further enriched by cultural performances, fellowship activities, Sport competitions, and sightseeing around Goroka. These activities strengthened friendships, celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Papua New Guinea, and promoted unity among Catholic students from different institutions.

During the closing formation sessions, the facilitators reminded participants that authentic Christian love is demonstrated through selfless giving without expecting anything in return, just as God freely gave His only Son for the salvation of the world. They encouraged the students to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus and to surrender every struggle, addiction, attachment, fear, and weakness to Him, emphasizing that Christ alone offers true freedom, healing, and lasting transformation.

The convention concluded with a commissioning, sending delegates back to their campuses as ambassadors of Christ and builders of peace. Students were encouraged to become active leaders within their Catholic Student Associations, to defend and live their faith with courage, and to promote unity, compassion, and hope in their academic communities.

Speaking at the conclusion of the convention, the organizing committee expressed gratitude to Almighty God for His abundant blessings throughout the four-day gathering. They also thanked the Diocese of Goroka, the chaplains, facilitators, religious, sponsors, volunteers, and all participating institutions whose commitment and cooperation contributed to the success of the convention.

Special appreciation was extended to the University of Goroka Catholic Students Association and the Goroka Technical College Catholic Students Association for successfully hosting the national event and warmly welcoming delegates from across the country.

As more than 400 delegates returned to their respective institutions, they carried with them renewed faith, strengthened friendships, and a deeper commitment to live out the convention's theme, "Stronger in Faith, Builders of Peace." The gathering reaffirmed the important role of the Tertiary Catholic Students Union in forming young Catholic leaders who are committed to faith, service, leadership, evangelization, and nation-building.

May God continue to bless the Tertiary Catholic Students Union of Papua New Guinea as it inspires young Catholics to become faithful disciples of Christ and courageous builders of peace for the Church and the nation.