The Catholic Diocese of Wabag Announces the Installation of the 3rd Bishop, Most Reverend Bp. Justin Ain Soongie

Wabag, Papua New Guinea — The Catholic Diocese of Wabag is preparing for a historic and joyous event as it welcomes Most Reverend Bp. Justin Ain Soongie as the 3rd Bishop of the diocese. The solemn and highly anticipated installation ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Cathedral, located in Sangurap, Wabag.

The installation Mass will be presided over by the Most Reverend Archbishop Clement Papa, the Metropolitan Archbishop of the region. His Eminence John Cardinal Ribat MSC, a highly respected figure in the Church, will also join as a concelebrant. The ceremony promises to be a spiritually enriching occasion, filled with solemn rites and prayers as the diocese embraces its new leader.

In a statement released by the diocese, the faithful are cordially invited to participate in this momentous event, which marks the beginning of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie’s episcopal ministry. The diocese encourages all Catholic faithful to attend and offer prayers for the new bishop, whose leadership is expected to guide the diocese with wisdom and faith.

The installation of Bishop Soongie follows the legacy of his predecessors, who have worked diligently to support the growth of the Catholic Church in the region. His appointment as the 3rd Bishop of Wabag has been met with great anticipation and excitement by the Catholic community in the diocese.

Following the installation Mass, a Thanksgiving Mass will be held on Friday, August 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Sangurap. This Mass will serve as an opportunity for the faithful to come together in gratitude, acknowledging the blessings that the diocese has received under the leadership of Bishop Soongie.

The Diocese of Wabag encourages all who can join this historic event, where the Church will come together in unity, prayer, and celebration of the new bishop’s installation.

For those unable to attend in person, the diocese is also making arrangements for online streaming of both the installation and thanksgiving Masses, ensuring that the global Catholic community can participate in this significant occasion.

A Blessing for the Diocese

The installation of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie is expected to be a significant moment for the entire diocese, which spans various regions of Papua New Guinea. The Catholic community in Wabag has long been an essential part of the spiritual fabric of the region, and Bishop Soongie’s leadership will play a key role in continuing to strengthen the faith and unity of its people.

In closing, the Catholic Diocese of Wabag extends a warm invitation to all, saying, “Your gracious presence is our blessing.” The faithful are encouraged to attend and join in celebrating this new chapter for the diocese, as it looks forward to a bright and faith-filled future under the leadership of Bishop Justin Ain Soongie.

For more information on the event and streaming details, please visit the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands official website https://www.pngsicbc.com/ or social media pages when the date is approaching.  https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FnttGVqo4/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067986736800