Faith Goes Walkabout

Five of us waited all morning for the PNG bishops but we finally met for the Partners’ Meeting at 2:00pm. The others had a delightful visit to the museum, the cathedral and the craft market. Later, we had a wonderful meal at the Crown hotel to celebrate +G’s birthday.

Wednesday pilgrims flew to Port Moresby and had drinks and snacks with the British High Commissioner.

Tuesday pilgrims visited St Margaret’s Clinic, which is looking very tired.

Oro Bay & then swam in Oro Bay before visiting Newton Theological College.

Monday was a very busy day: the pilgrims visited the Melanesian Brotherhood, St Margaret’s School of Nursing and Popondetta Cathedral.

Visits were also made to Sisters of the Visitation & the Franciscan Brothers (phew!).

Notes from pilgrim Rosemary Mehers

The pilgrims stayed in Popondetta diocese from Saturday to Wednesday, staying at Birdwing Butterfly Lodge. Having no Wifi meant that posts have been delayed!!

Video taken by pilgrim Rosemary Mehers.

On Sunday six of the Norwich group went to Martyrs’ School to celebrate Martyrs’ Day unfortunately Phil was not well but fully recovered the next day.

Sunday evening our host, Polycarp, gave us a banquet of whole roast pig plus other food.

What a busy day! Visited St Mary’s, Gerehu that has a bell donated by a Norfolk church.

A tour of the Port Moresby Nature Park.

The Bomana War Graves Cemetery  is the final resting place of almost 3000 soldiers who held a force of Japanese trying to reach Port Moresby from the north along what is known as the Kakoda Trail.

If the Japanese had been successful this would have been the launch point for an invasion of Australia.

After the Japanese landed at Lae and Salamaua in March 1942, Port Moresby became their chief objective. They decided to attack by sea, and assembled an amphibious expedition for the purpose, which set out early in May, but they were intercepted and heavily defeated by American air and naval forces in the Coral Sea, and what remained of the Japanese expedition returned to Rabaul. After this defeat they decided to advance on Port Moresby overland and the attack was launched from Buna and Gona in September 1942.

Early in 1942, and almost without resistance, the Japanese established a considerable force and developed a useful base on Bougainville, the largest and most northerly of the Solomon Islands.

Bishop Graham presided & preached at Kimbe church followed by a presentation by Dieni Tapi and his team at Anglican Health Services on their vital work in the diocese and their plans for a new health centre in the Kandrian Gloucester District.

Revd Phil presented Mr Tapi with a donation from the Christian brothers and sisters at Taverham church in Norwich diocese.

A busy day in Kimbe, events unfold…

Bishop Graham’s photo’ of Diana showing local women her photos of her 7 years in PNG in the 70’s and 80’s. She remembers PNG independence in 1975 and is now here as they prepare for their 50th anniversary celebrations.

Sally and Rachel receive gifts.

How to open a coconut with a very long knife!

Wednesday afternoon we visited the Anglican parish of St Lawrence.

Liamo Beach Resort  with the prospect of the sea and a beer; surreal contrast between subsistence living in the village and ersatz opulence at the resort.

Bishop of NGI, +Reginald led the Eucharist at 9:00am this morning followed by an ‘Audience’ where each of us gave testimony, followed by the local clergy and senior managers of the diocese. One asked Revd Sally M about women priests and +Reginald showed his openness but thought such a move was a few years away in PNG. We had many opportunities to chat with local people. We’re now back in our guest house sitting under the air conditioning before the ‘guided tour’ of the area this afternoon.

Warriors Welcome into West New Britain

Arrived in Kimbe, which is the capital of the province of West New Britain in Papua New Guinea, and the largest settlement on the island. The bustling town of Kimbe is the third largest port in Papua New Guinea and is the fastest growing city in the South Pacific.

A welcome lunch in wonderful PNG hospitality style.

Bishop of NGI, +Reginald led the Eucharist at 9:00am this morning followed by an ‘Audience’ where each of us gave testimony, followed by the local clergy and senior managers of the diocese.

One asked Revd Sally M about women priests and +Reginald showed his openness but thought such a move was a few years away in PNG. We had many opportunities to chat with local people.

We’re now back in our guest house sitting under the air conditioning before the ‘guided tour’ of the area this afternoon.

Rev’d Phil Charlesworth