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
A beautiful flight, albeit a few hours late in Papua New Guinea style of ‘expect the unexpected’; the pilgrims had magnificent views of this beautiful country set in the South Pacific Ocean at latitude 5 degrees . West New Britain is a tropical island to the east of the mainland of PNG set between the Solomon Sea and the Bismarck Sea.
As a tropical island the rainforests can be seen from the photo and more recent palm oil plantations. The volcanic hills are seen in the distance as PNG lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and small volcanoes are often smoking!
Travel is still hard for many people. Those who do travel, use the few tarmac roads, boats and canoes, with flying being a possibility for some.
An aerial view on the flight with Qantas from Brisbane. Rosemary took this photo and had a great window seat for spectacular views.
After travelling twenty four hours across the world our pilgrims have found each other in the Hideaway Hotel in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
Phil Charlesworth the organiser of the pilgrimage says…
‘It was like choosing the disciples today: up at 4:30am to go to airport to pick up the other Revd Sally & Revd Rachel who needed to sleep after 27 hr trip from Norwich via Hong Kong; wait for bishop Graham, Rosemary (& Mark from NZ) to arrive from Brisbane; wait for Diana to arrive from friends in Port Moresby.
We met as a group with Mark (NZ) and bishop Andrew (NZ) for planning and evening prayer before supper (see photo). Up at 5:45 tomorrow as we fly later to West New Britain.’
The latest version of the itinerary gives an overview of the places the pilgrims will visit, travel arrangements and places to stay.
Martyr’s Church, Kimbe 2015
In September 2025 pilgrims from the Diocese of Norwich will travel half the way around the world to visit Papua New Guinea. In the Land of the Unexpected they will meet fellow Christians in communities and worship. This will be an amazing opportunity and a life changing experience.
You can share their journeys through this record of the pilgrimage. As the travels unfold be with the pilgrims in images and in thoughts. It’s going to be a great experience.
Sit back and enjoy the journey from your own home.
Rev’d Sue Martin
On Maundy Thursday our benefice in rural Norfolk has two groups of pilgrims walking through on their way to Walsingham, an ancient site of pilgrimage. There they join the other groups, called legs, to take part in worship at Easter.
This year I joined the Northern Leg from Nottingham at St Botolph’s Church Grimston for sausage rolls and worship and then at St Nicholas Gayton with the Ely Leg, from Ely, for tea and worship.
A real joy for me was to follow them on the walk for some time across the Norfolk countryside. It was a beautiful warm April day and we shared songs and conversations before they went on their way to Harpley for the night before the final journey on Good Friday to the Shrine at Walsingham.
Rev’d Sue Martin
St Anne’s Church Stanley
Between the bus station and Stanley Market lies the Catholic Church of St Anne’s. It’s a place I have often visited and in April this year I walked into this beautiful church.
The way in or entrance, is through a door on the left of the nave, which is close to the offices, so you are unaware of the peace to be found as you enter the nave.
The artwork above the altar is stunning, set against a backdrop of cobalt blue.
Once I had sat down and given myself time for the heat to leave my body it was a real joy to spend time in this place once again, and bring all that lies heavily on my shoulders.
I returned to the apartment on the red double decker no 6X bus, feeling refreshed and happy, or should that mean blessed?
Rev’d Sue Martin
Ma Hang Park to Stanley, Hong Kong Island
My favourite walk from Ma Hang Park, site of the original village, into Stanley on Hong Kong Island. Really peaceful and passed a Buddhist monastery on the way. It’s well fenced off as there are wild boars and dangerous snakes in the scrub.
Hong Kong is such a place of contrasts. If I had travelled by bus the other way I would have been in the centre of Hong Kong, with the most enormous skyscrapers.
Rev’d Sue Martin
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