Easter

The faithful and enthusiastic who walked the way of the cross this morning in the nation’s capital each have a reason why they walk.

For one 18-year-old, Theo Aron, he did not walk the way of the cross, rather he woke up from his sleeping area under the Waigani freeway tunnel as police came in to move them out in anticipation of the walk passing through.

Loop PNG observed the men and women in blue holding off traffic and providing escort to the front and the rear of the procession.

The Superintendent of operations, Michael Tilae, says this is part of the normal police operations for the city during the Easter season.

The police were out since 3am along the Cross route and helping to hold off traffic as well.

Those from the minimum security unit compound will join in the Stations of the Cross walk tomorrow in Port Moresby, after permission was sought from the Bomana jail Commander Haraha Kiddy Keko.

Those who remain within the confinement of the rehabilitation facility will take part in other spiritual programs, including a crusade that will be held on Friday night at the main compound. 

“I’d like to also all inmates and my colleagues a happy celebration with a well thought out, with the spiritual lessons on everyone," stated Keko. 

More than 2,000 people were rescued on Friday and 3,000 on Saturday in dozens of separate rescues, the Italian Coast Guard said.

But at least seven people drowned as aid workers struggled to rescue more than 1,500 migrants in one operation.

An eight-year-old boy was among the dead, rescue workers said.

An earlier agency report said 20 bodies had been recovered by the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (Moas), but this was later corrected.

Moas said its rescue started in the early hours of Saturday and had continued non-stop into Sunday afternoon.

Officer in Charge of Traffic in Madang, Sergeant Frank Makora, was attacked while controlling traffic at the crossing near Modilon Hospital.

He said he hung his bag (bilum) with his personnel effects on a nearby wall when a thug grabbed his bag and ran towards the public cemetery.

"I was controlling the pedestrians when this happened. Bystanders informed me of my bag being snatched and I chased the thug," he said.

During the chase, the officer tripped and fell. The thug then punched him and took off again.

For most Christians, it is celebrated at a convenient time between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter Morning.

The Paschal Candle (like a pillar of fire) leads the pilgrim people into the dark church.

Here in the Nation’s Capital, stores and markets are full of shoppers trying to get something to enjoy with their families.

Loop PNG went around the city shopping centers and main markets and just like Christmas or any other festive holiday, the stores were once again packed.

Speaking to some, asking what Easter meant to them; most said it was a time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

Other said it was a time to reflect on our lives by attending the Virgil night service that will take place this evening at their respective churches.

PNG Council of Churches (PNGCC) general secretary Rev. Roger Joseph said those actively participating in the Church have to be very careful of how they use their emotions as it leads to their decisions and actions. 

In quoting the bible, he said those that caused the Cross to happen were either religious leaders or followers of Jesus, making reference to Peter and Judas.

He added that Christians also have to be very careful in the way they use church money.

“Money can easily corrupt our minds and rob our integrity.

Easter brings a turning point to our lives: Reverend

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/easter-brings-turning-point-our-lives-reverend-56780

Easter brings a turning point to our lifestyles and mindsets, says the PNG Council of Churches General Secretary Rev. Roger Joseph.

Tarutia calls for universal coverage

Stations of the Cross come to an end in the Capital

The journey for Stations of the Cross finally comes to an end at the Mary Queen of Pacific church in Waigani.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/stations-cross-come-end-capital-56778

‘The girl who drew’