Statement
On the passing of Grand Chief Sir Michael Thomas Somare
26 February 2021
The members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNG/SI) are saddened at the death of Sir Michael Somare. He was a faithful servant of God, the Church, and his Country.
Sir Michael Somare was a faithful Catholic: He was brought up in the Catholic faith by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD) in his native East Sepik province. He was a friend of the late Archbishop Leo Arkfeld, SVD. He went regularly to the Catholic Church services whether as a Prime Minister or an ordinary citizen. While in Port Moresby, he always attended the Pidgin Mass on Sundays together with Lady Veronica Somare at St. Joseph’s Parish, Boroko. He had a very cordial relationship with the Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Bishops Conference.
Sir Michael Somare was a faithful Husband and Father: He reached the height of his political status of Prime Minister and Father of the Nation as a faithful husband to his wife Lady Veronica. He maintained good family values and was a good father to his children.
Sir Michael Somare is indeed the Father of the Nation: He deserves the title. He was passionate about the people of Papua New Guinea and his country. After gaining Independence, he continued his efforts to keep the country together and stir it towards development as the Prime Minister for four terms. His political service spanned 49 years as an Assembly Member, Member of Parliament, Prime Minister, and Governor of East Sepik till he stepped down from politics in 2017.
On behalf of the Catholic Bishops of Papua New Guinea, the Catholic faithful, and the whole nation, I extend my heartiest condolences to Lady Veronica and the whole Somare family, and I offer prayers for the eternal repose of the soul of Grand Chief and Servant of the Nation Sir Michael Thomas Somare.
MOST REV. ANTON BAL
Archbishop of Madang
President, CBC PNG/SI