On August 28-September 9, 2023 (including the days of travel), Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ, the Provincial Superior, did his Canonical Visit to the Sideia Mission Centre in Sideia Island, Alotau, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Moments of common and personal dialogues, and of prayers, within the Mission Centre and in the Mass Centres, characterized the visit. Fr. Cajigal saw to it to visit as well the St. Joseph Parish, in Yokowa, Basilaki Island, which was temporarily entrusted by the Bishop of Alotua-Sideia to the Rogationists, since April, 2023.
During this visit, Fr. Cajigal presided over the Rite of Turnover of Fr. Henry Ramos, RCJ of the Office of the Superior of the Sideia Mission Centre to Fr. Welbert Llyd Suarez, RCJ on August 31, 2023, and concelebrated on the latter’s Installation as Parish Priest of the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish by the Most Rev. Rolando Santos, CM, Bishop of Alotau-Sideia on September 3, 2023, both at the aforementioned Church.
Accompanied by the missionary confreres, Fr. Cajigal also paid the Papal Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Most Rev. Fermin Emilio Sosa Rodriguez, DD, a courtesy visit. They also had the chance to visit, among others, the Holy Spirit Seminary in Bonama, the Catholic Theological Institute in the same compound, and a couple of religious communities in Port Moresby.
Bro. Christian Allan De Sagun, RCJ, the Provincial Secretary accompanied him to document the Canonical Visit, and to check on the Archives of the Religious Community/Mission and of the Parish – though he had to return to the Philippines earlier, due to other appointments.
Fr. Ronaldo Paulino, RCJ, the Provincial Councilor on Religious Life, Formation and Vocation Ministry also joined this visit to check on the situation of the formation in this place.
Thanks to the warm welcome and generous accommodation of the confreres in Papua New Guinea. May the Lord always bless and guide this missionary work and everyone under its care!
