I've not been a bishop for very long... but I think that I would be right in saying that the happiest day in the life of a bishop is when he has the privilege of ordaining a priest who will be serving the People of God in his diocese.
Recently, I had that privilege, when I traveled to Irawi, in the Hela Province region of the Diocese of Mendi to ordain Father Isaiah Timba.
It was a joyful and inspiring celebration of Faith and culture. Father Isaiah comes from among the Huli people. Above you can see some young people and some elders who led the entrance procession of the ordination Mass. The celebration had to take place outdoors to accommodate the great numbers of people who came to participate in the celebration.
Father Isaiah completed his theological studies at the Catholic Theological Institute in Bomana suburb of Port Moresby. He served his diaconate internship at Saint Francis Parish in Tari. He will serve as parish priest in the Sumi Pastoral Area - a very challenging assignment for this zealous young priest. Above, he is showing the people that his hands have been anointed for serving them and helping them to become the holy People of God.
Please pray for Father Isaiah as he begins his ministry. Please also pray for vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated religious life. Two-thirds of the priests serving in the Diocese of Mendi are missionary priests who come from other countries (Korean, India, the USA, Poland). Please pray that there will always be young men and women open to "Go out to all the world and tell the Good News."
On a personal note: Due to a very hectic schedule and to some tech problems we have been experiencing, it has been too long since I last posted. I feel that I have neglected my blog fans! Sorry about that. I have had many good experiences and travels.. which I would like to share with you. Thanks for following, it's good to have you aboard.
