I was glad to know that Pope Francis would visit PNG, but even happier when I heard that he would visit MHC Shrine. It was with great excitement that I announced to our churchgoers this special occasion for the vicar of Christ to be in our midst. We began preparing – prayers, fellowship, confessions, decorations, cleaning, and cultural practices with traditional songs.
Amidst all the preparations, I received a shocking surprise. I was informed that I would be one of those who would welcome Pope Francis to MHC Shrine. I tried to contain my inner joy and refrained from telling anyone. As the days and hours drew closer, my heart would palpitate faster. Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I would wake up and think of this grace-filled opportunity.
Finally, the day came, September 7,2024, and we were all very busy with the final preparations – following up on the decorations, instructing the people, and checking the necessary details. I did my best to snatch moments of silence to create my sacred space and time, spiritually preparing myself: quietly absorbed in prayer in the chapel for a few minutes, holding onto the rosary, and lifting my face to the sky with a serene smile.
As I tried to recollect myself, I thought of the Gospel encounter between Jesus and Peter: the threefold questions (John 21: 15-17). I had three holy moments to be near the Pope.
The first was when he arrived in front of MHC Shrine. Together with Cardinal John Ribat, MSC, Bishop Otto Separy, and three people (two children) in traditional dress, I stood in front of our Holy Father. As he held my hands, I prayed for the people of PNG, my family, relatives, friends, those I had promised to pray for, and all my classmates and their families. In my heart, I heard: "Feed my lambs."
The second blessing came when Pope Francis was inside the church. As I presented him with the crucifix, carved in cultural design from Sepik Province, he held it in his hands and kissed it. In that moment of reverential respect, I recalled all those who are suffering – from sickness, natural calamities, war, personal pain, and exploitation. Deep in my conscience, I heard: "Look after my sheep."
The third blessing was a moment to cherish forever. After the Pope finished his message to the Bishops, Priests, Religious, Seminarians, and Catechists, I approached and gently supported his left arm and shoulder as he tried to stand. As I vested him with the stole for the solemn blessing, I held back tears of joy. I felt calm, serene, and at peace. I prayed and felt united with all my brother priests in mission and those around the world, especially those suffering, persecuted, wounded, or facing crises in their vocation. I felt the presence of our Lord: "Do you love me? Feed my sheep."
As I savour and cherish these three grace-filled blessings of being with the successor of St. Peter, I reflect on myself as a Salesian, a priest, and a missionary. All is God’s grace. I am deeply blessed. Thank you, Lord, for your boundless love.
