In a historic moment for the Catholic community of Siasia Island, Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM of the Diocese of Lae officially opened three vital new facilities: a church, a youth office, and a mother’s hall in Aupwel village on May 25.
The event, attended by over 1,000 faithful from across the Huon Gulf and Morobe Province, marked the culmination of years of prayer, planning, and collaboration between the local Catholic mission, the Diocese of Lae, and international partners.
Traditional dances, hymns, and joyful processions welcomed the bishop, who traveled over six hours by land and sea to bless the new facilities.
At the heart of the development is St. Peter the Fisherman Church, a structure symbolizing the islanders' seafaring culture.
It is complemented by the Siasia Pastoral Centre, which will serve as a hub for catechism, youth formation, and community events, and the St. Mary Health Outpost, providing essential healthcare services including maternal care and malaria treatment.
“This church is not just a building,” Bishop Rozario said during the inauguration. “It is a center of unity, healing, and hope—a sign that no one is forgotten in the mission of the Church.”
The new facilities are expected to transform the lives of the island's residents, who have long lacked regular access to religious services, health care, and formation programs.
With the presence of a pastoral worker and the upcoming training of local catechists, the Church is set to deepen its roots in this remote area.
Support for the project came from local efforts, the Diocese of Lae, and international partners including Caritas Australia and Catholic Mission.
Provincial officials, including Hon. Luther Wenge, Governor of Morobe, praised the Church’s enduring contribution to education, health, and spiritual leadership in Papua New Guinea.
As the bells of St. Peter the Fisherman rang out for the first time, Bishop Rozario entrusted the island and its people to the Holy Spirit. “Let this place be a beacon of God’s love,” he said. “Wherever the Church is, there is hope.”
Etched into the foundation stone of the church are words that reflect the spirit of the community: “Long God Yumi Stap—With God, We Stand.”
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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