Bishop Francis Meli

The well prepared and beautiful liturgical celebration was attended by about 3,000 faithful from different corners of the Diocese of Vanimo. Many from the Diocese of Rabaul and other parts of Papua New Guinea joined in the celebrations as well.

A visibly moved and emotional Bp Francis Meli thanked God, his parents who are no more, members of his family, especially his sister and brother who were present, and the people he has been working with as a priest. 

Bishop Francis Meli has chosen Justitia et Veritas – Justice and Truth as his Episcopal motto. 

His Excellency, Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, was the Principal Ordaining Bishop. 

The Assisting Bishops were Archbishop Francisco Panfilo, SDB and Bishop Cesare Bonivento, PIME.  Cardinal John Ribat, Archbishop of Port Moresby, 15 bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, priests, religious and faithful were part of the celebrations.