The Archdiocese of Rabaul came alive in the power of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, as 57 young Catholics received the Sacrament of Confirmation during a vibrant Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Rochus Josef Tatamai, MSC, at Vunapope Cathedral.
Faithful from across East New Britain gathered in joy and reverence, marking the birth of the Church with traditional Tolai singing, uplifting music, and a solemn liturgy that renewed hearts and strengthened faith.
The 57 candidates, drawn from Mary Immaculate Primary School, Sacred Heart International School, and surrounding Vunapope communities, received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a moving rite that marked their full initiation into the Church.
In his homily, Archbishop Tatamai urged the newly confirmed to be bold witnesses of the Gospel. “The Holy Spirit comes to you as fire in the heart,” he said. “You are now soldiers of Christ—called to bring light to your schools, homes, and the world.”
He also encouraged adults to accompany the youth in their faith journey, affirming that Pentecost is not just a historical event but a living reality for today’s Church.
The celebration also marked the launch of the Louis Couppe Intercessory Group, a spiritual initiative led by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Immaculate (FMI Sisters), named after Fr. Louis Couppe, MSC, a pioneering missionary in Papua New Guinea.
During the launch, Archbishop Tatamai blessed a symbolic seven-candle stand representing the gifts of the Holy Spirit and praised the FMI Sisters for their initiative, calling the new group “a lighthouse of hope for East New Britain and beyond.”
Composed initially of FMI Sisters from various communities, the group aims to promote intercessory prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and spiritual outreach, with plans to include lay collaborators and publish monthly reflections for parishes and schools.
The liturgy was rich with cultural expression and sacred symbolism. Youth choirs and parish groups enhanced the celebration with music and dance, while clergy in red vestments and catechumens in white symbolized the fire and purity of Pentecost.
Following the confirmation rites, a representative from the newly confirmed youth thanked the church community, saying, “Today we receive the Holy Spirit and promise to live out our faith with courage.”
The day ended with a communal kaikai (feast) on the parish grounds, where clergy, religious, and laypeople shared food and fellowship in a joyful expression of Church unity.
A sister from the FMI congregation shared the more profound meaning of the celebration: “The church must be a home of fire, not one that destroys, but one that gives light and life. Pentecost reminds us the Spirit is among us.”
The legacy of Fr. Louis Couppe, remembered for his prayerfulness and commitment to justice, still motivates the archdiocese’s pastoral efforts. His example calls today’s faithful to root new initiatives in prayer and missions.
Under the leadership of Archbishop Tatamai, the Archdiocese of Rabaul is embracing a renewed missionary spirit, drawing strength from its past and moving boldly into a Spirit-filled future.
As the final hymn rang out, “Renew the face of the Earth, O Lord,” the Church in Rabaul had indeed been renewed through Confirmation, intercession, and a vibrant Pentecost celebration that set hearts ablaze.
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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