The Catholic diocese of Kavieng, in New Ireland Province, has welcomed its fourth bishop.
Bishop Rochus Joseph Tatamai, aged 55 years, succeeded Bishop Ambrose Kiapseni, who was farewelled after 27 years of service.
A solemn Eucharistic celebration was attended by all parishes at the cathedral of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Kavieng on August 14th.
In his speech, New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan described Bishop Ambrose Kiapseni as a true child of New Ireland.
“Despite his humble origins 73 years ago in the village of Ton on Masahet Island, he became a messenger of faith for thousands, hundreds of thousands of his fellows, his fellow islanders, his fellow New Irelanders and his fellow countrymen,” said Sir Julius.
“You know, there are times in life when we incur a debt we cannot repay. There are times in life when we are blessed beyond what we deserve.
“This is such a time. Bishop, the debt we owe you is one we can never repay. The blessing you have given us is too great.
“Our only hope for payment is to live our lives as you have taught us, with respect for others, with hope in our hearts, and with a belief that we can make the world a better place.”
The Governor said Bishop Kiapseni’s road was not easy.
“He rose despite the challenges, the obstacles,” stated Sir Julius.
“In his infancy he was captured in the chaos of the end of a World War. He could not begin school until he was almost fifteen years old. From 1961 to 1964 he went to grades 3 through 6 at Palie Community School in Lihir and Old Mongop Junior High School.
“Then, in 1965, he was ‘called’. He entered St. Peter Channel College, Ulapia Minor Seminary. He continued as a Sacred Heart Novitiate at Vunapau in East New Britain in 1970.
“From 1971 to 1976 he studied at Bomana Major Seminary, made his final vows and was ordained as a deacon.
“Believe it or not, I was there in 1976 – 42 years ago when Ambrose Kiapseni became a deacon.
“It was shortly after Independence, and here was a New Irelander making his mark in the religious realm of New Ireland, PNG and the world. I felt the presence of a Greater Power. I must say that I was nearly as proud as he was.
“Shortly thereafter, in September 1977, Ambrose Kiapseni came home and was ordained as a priest in the Diocese of Kavieng. From 1978 to 1981 our Man of God served at Immaculate Conception Lemakot, then went to Manus, then the Duke of York Islands, where he was confirmed Parish Priest, and then to Vunapau as Associate Novice Master.
“From late 1981 to early 1982 he was in the Philippines undergoing Formation training, then returned to Vunapau as Associate Novice Master. He was quickly promoted to Novice Master in 1983 and served at Vunapau until 1988.
“In 1989 our Man of God was appointed Administrator of OLSH Cathedral in Kavieng. And in 1991 our brother received an even greater accolade, and, with it, an even greater burden. I remember this day as if it were yesterday.
“May 12th, 1991. Our beloved brother Ambrose Kiapseni was ordained Bishop and began his service as Bishop of Kavieng Diocese. I was there. I could hardly control my joy,” recalled Sir Julius.
“That ceremony stays with me to this day. I saw Ambrose Kiapseni raised to a level no New Irelander had ever seen. How gloriously has our Good Bishop honoured that power, how mightily has he laboured in the Fields of the Lord.
“And I must say it again. In all these – deacon, ordination, Bishop – I WAS THERE. And I will be with you, Bishop Ambrose Kiapseni, far beyond today. We have travelled a long road together, and we have far yet to go.”
Meantime, the installation of Bishop Rochus Tatamai occurred yesterday (Aug 15) morning.
Bishop Rochus, who is also the current President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, takes over a diocese of 26 parishes spread among the islands of Duke of York, Manus and New Ireland.
There are 22 diocesan priests and 3 deacons.
(Bishop Ambrose Kiapseni, front, with Bishop Rochus Tatamai)
