With the passing of Pope Francis, members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Solomon Islands (SI) expressed their condolences and sorrow the Melanesian way at the Vatican Embassy on Thursday, bringing in garden food, store goods, a pig as well as conducting traditional sing-sing.
Present at the event was His Lordship, Bishop Otto Separy, President of the CBC of PNG & SI, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes SMM, Vice President of CBC the CBC of PNG & SI, Reverend, Fr Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary of the CBC of PNG & SI and MSGR Federico Boni.
His Lordship, Bishop Otto Separy, expressed both deep sorrow about the late Pope’s passing and deep gratitude towards Pope Francis and his recent visit to the country.
“Pope Francis was here a few months ago and his presence is still fresh in our minds and hearts.”
“We came to pass our condolences and at the same time we are very thankful that he came. It means a lot to us that he visited Papua New Guinea.”
“He brought a message of peace and hope.”
Leaders of the Catholic church then signed the Book of Condolences, a document which contains all the condolences messages around the world, which will be sent to Rome. Additionally, copy of memorabilia containing photos of Pope Francis’ visit to Papua New Guinea will be brought to the Vatican.
In regard to the canonization of Blessed Peter ToRot, His Lordship, Bishop Separy, stated that Pope Francis signed the document for canonization confirming Peter ToRot’s status as a saint.
“Everything is prepared; it is just that the ceremony is needed. Documents have been signed confirming his sainthood. We are only waiting for the announcement of the date, and then the ceremony, which will be confirmed by the next pope.”