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Diaconate Ordination in Port Moresby
Wladyslaw Madziar, SVD
The solemn celebration took place at St. Peter Chanel Parish in Erima, presently under the pastoral care of Fr. Michał Płoszczyca SVD. The event began with a warm welcome and introduction by Fr. Romeo Yadao SVD, Rector of the Divine Word College (DWC) and incoming Provincial Superior of Papua New Guinea, who will assume office on January 1, 2026. Fr. Noel Engel SVD served as master of ceremonies.
It was a joyful occasion that gathered almost all SVD confreres from the Hiri Community, along with Fr. Provincial José Oranthinkal SVD, who traveled from Madang to join the celebration. Also in attendance were the Rector of the Salesian community in Bomana and the Acting Rector of the Holy Spirit Major Seminary. The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS) were represented by Sr. Catherine, a missionary recently returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our close neighbors, the Canossian Sisters, were also present.
Family members, friends, and parishioners filled the church, with many coming from Erima, Hanuabada, and even as far as Veifa in the Diocese of Bereina. St. Peter Chanel Parish, known for its hospitality and close collaboration with the SVDs, provided a vibrant and prayerful atmosphere for the ordination.
The ordination took place on the memorial of St. Francis of Assisi, a fitting day to celebrate a vocation rooted in humility and service. In his homily, Bishop Gryk reflected on three essential aspects of the diaconate: the ministry of the Word, service at the altar, and ministry of charity. He encouraged not only the newly ordained but everyone present to live their Christian vocation in the true spirit of service.
After the Mass, all gathered in the parish hall for a festive meal and fellowship. True to local tradition, the celebration featured a mumu—a piglet steamed and roasted on hot stones—prepared under the supervision of Fr. Marsianus Bei SVD, prefect and treasurer of DWC. Despite heavy rain, SVD seminarians and friends worked through the night to prepare the food and other dishes for the event.
It was a day filled with joy, gratitude, and fraternity. We share in the happiness of our newly ordained deacons, Brian and Philemon, and pray that their service as deacons may bear abundant fruit throughout their missionary life.
