The new Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands building was blessed and opened on Monday, 17 September 2018.
The blessing commenced at 11am where the keys of the building were then handed over to Bp Rochus Tatamai MSC, President of CBC by Brad Smith, CEO of Cord Associates.
“The increase of CBC commissions and staff members required that a new building be built. The present buildings were not adequate and are nearly 52 years old,” said Fr Victor Roche SVD, outgoing General Secretary of CBC.
“Bishops had to reside and travel from different parts of the city. Hence, the idea of a new building for CBC was uppermost in the minds of the Catholic Bishops for a long time.
“The first plans for a new building were drawn up in 2010.
“A fire on the 23rd November 2013 required that a new plan be drawn up. Architectural drawings by Mr Peter Mildner, were advertised and CORD Builders was chosen from 12 bidders.
“Mr Brad Smith, CEO of Cord, Mr Don Atchison, Cord supervisor and Francis Natera, CBC supervisor commenced the building on the 25th July, 2017. Zoilo Agabe and Jimmy Son carefully followed the financial payments.
“13 months of hard work and the building received the occupancy certificate on the 13th September, 2018.
“The total cost of the building is K12.22 million. A fund-raising dinner was held on the 25th November, 2015, the Prime Minister’s office contributed 3 million, MISSIO Aachen donated 1.08 million, other leaders and generous donors contributed 1.22 million.”
Fr Victor also expressed his gratitude to all who worked closely with him.
Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare in his speech acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church in the development of the country.
“The Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have through their efforts, made a contribution to keep alive the teaching of Christ in the country,” the Grand Chief shared.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill congratulated the architect and the builders who have constructed a wonderful building.
“It will not only serve the Church but also serve our people in Papua New Guinea and in the Solomon Islands. It is important that the government continues to support the work of the Church.
“The government and the church must work hand in hand in partnership to not only develop our country but to also provide spiritual guidance for our people and making sure that they have the services that they deserve in education and health,” said the Prime Minister.
The New CBC building has two blocks.
ToRot Block (Building A) has a reception room, a 100-person conference hall, office space with 25 workstations and 11 living rooms.
Mazzuconi Block (Building B) has a fireproof archive room, office space for 15 workstations, communications and recording studio possibilities and a future TV station, parking space and two residential flats.
(Building opened by Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Bishop Rochus Tatamai, Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and Cardinal John Ribat)
