Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC)

“In the spirit of Synodality, we urge our lay people to actively participate in our faith formation so that they can meaningfully promote an atmosphere of listening, participate in the decision making and build up the community of faith,” quoted Otto Separy, Most Reverend Bishop and President of Catholic Bishops Conference (CBC) of PNG and Solomon Islands.

The commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis De Sales, Patron Saint of Journalists and Writers, took place at the CBC today.

The theme is “Bringing the Children to Jesus for a fully human communication”.

The theme is: Called to the fullness of Life and Love.

Two-hundred-and-sixty young people representing the different dioceses in the country gathered at Vunapope, East New Britain, to participate at this time of prayer, reflection and growth in faith.   

Archbishop Francisco Panfilo SDB, Archbishop of Rabaul, was the main celebrant at the Opening Eucharistic celebration.

He made the comment following the recent attempted killing of a 6-year-old girl in a sorcery accusation related violence (SARV) incident.

“It is saddening to see that a six-year-old girl was brutally attacked as a ‘sanguma girl’. Thank God she is alive and recuperating.”

He said there are reports from many parts of Papua New Guinea of sorcery or sanguma related accusations, tortures and killings. The accused are often women who are vulnerable and defenseless.

General Secretary of the CBC, Fr.Victor Roche said almost 80% of the parliamentarians voted to keep the present government and Peter O’Neill as the Prime Minister.

“Member of Parliament are elected leaders, they represent the people in the parliament. We shall accept their decision.

“The CBC appeals for calm from the different groups and citizens. The CBC appeals to the people to maintain law and order and to uphold democracy, “said Roche.