The Archdiocese of Madang celebrated the installation of the sixth Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of the province.
Archbishop Anton Bal replaced Archbishop Stephen Joseph Reichert, who served the province for eight years.
Over 2,500 people were present at the Holy Spirit Cathedral on October 31st to join in the Eucharistic celebration.
The newly installed Archbishop began his homily in the Eucharistic mass by reminding the parishioners that everyone needs Christ for support and that they should live a Christ-like lifestyle. He further added that as their new archbishop, he needs the help and the communion of the parishioners.
Archbishop Reichert joyfully welcomed Archbishop Bal as the sixth Archbishop of Madang.
Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Emeritus Archbishop Stephen Joseph Reichert and Emeritus Archbishop William Joseph Kurtz were joined by ten other bishops and eighty-eight priests. Religious sisters and brothers and lay faithful from the different parishes and well-wishers were part of the celebration.
Archbishop Vayalunkal highlighted the relationship between Christ and his disciples (Jn 15:1-17) and stressed the need to be close to Jesus.
“As you faithfully attend the pastoral needs of the local Church, may you be guided by the Virgin Mother, to show to all, the merciful face and goodness of her Son, Jesus Christ,” he said. He reminded the archbishop of the invitation of Pope Francis to become the ‘Sacrament of Closeness’ – Close to God in prayer, close to the people of God entrusted to him and close to his priests.
Anton Bal formerly served the Diocese of Kundiawa before the Vatican Embassy announced his appointment to the Archdiocese of Madang in July this year.
Archbishop Anton Bal received his episcopal consecration on 12th January 2009 and was appointed as the Bishop of Kundiawa. He is the vice president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of PNG and the Solomon Islands. He is also the Chairman of the committee for Integral Human Development and Deputy Bishop for National Family Life Commission.
(Archbishop Anton Bal being led to the chair)