Priests celebrate 15 years anniversary of priesthood on Corpus Christi feast day

Lorengau, Manus: The St Michael Parish, Lorengau celebrated two special occasions on Sunday June 22, 2025: The Solemnity of the Body and the Blood of Jesus (Corpus Christi) and the 15th anniversary of priesthood for two of their sons who answered the call to priesthood.

Procession with the Eucharist

The two priests: Reverend Fr Bernard Sapataleh and Reverend Fr Alex Tanai, were ordained on this special occasion in the Church's calendar in 2010.

Fr Bernard Sapataleh, Parish Priest of St Michael Parish was the main celebrant and joining him as concelebrant was Fr Alex Tanai, who traveled from his base at Tuyas, New Ireland to avail himself for the anniversary celebrations.

Joining the parishioners of St Michael on the two special occasions were friends and family from St Francis Xavier Bundralis, St Therese Bipi, Christ the King Patu, St Mathew Kampos, St Joseph Papitalai and Sacred Heart Lau.

St. Michael Parish comprises of 23 Catholic Christian Communities, which participate in the

liturgy on Sundays and Solemnity Feast Days according to St. Michael’s Consultative Plan,

2025 Liturgical calendar. In addition two secondary schools, a vocational training center and eight primary schools that take lead in the liturgical preparations.

On the occasion of the Solemnity Feast Day of Corpus Christi, teachers and students of St. Robert Primary School Lopahan took lead in the liturgy with support accorded by the Music Director Mr. Baron Pais and the Liturgy Committee representative, Ms. Natasha Changau.

A traditional dance by the students led the two celebrants, Fr Bernard and Fr Alex, lectors and servers into the Church. The church was packed to full capacity of the building and

flowed outside on both east and west wings. The voices and instruments were like roaring

thunder that vibrated in the air and echoed over the Lorengau town.

Fr. Bernard highlighted in his homily the importance of receiving the body & blood of Jesus Christ in our spiritual life. He also expressed gratitude to everyone gathered for the 15 years priesthood anniversary and in a special way, thanked his brother and companion for their friendship in their priestly ministry.

The Mass concluded with the Benediction and adoration at three altars.

Following the mass was the continuation of the 15th anniversary of Fr Bernard and Fr Alex at the St John Vianney grandstand in the parish grounds.

Activities included speeches energizers, traditional dances, a special performance by the Legion of Mary who sang a special composition for the two priests' anniversary, presentation of gifts and a feast.

Pastoral Council, Mr. Obert Otto congratulated both Fr. Bernard and Fr. Alex on their 15 years anniversary of serving God and for choosing the Feast Day of Corpus Christi in 2010, to have a combined ordination in the St. Michael Church.