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French Canadian Montfortian missionary Fr. Gilles Côté explains how the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea has gradually taken shape over the past 145 years, inculturating the Gospel in this multiethnic society numbering over 600 tribes, each with their own specific identity.Papua New Guinea, the gateway to Oceania, has been a mission land for nearly 150 years.
In 1885, the first Mass was celebrated on Yule Island in the Coral Sea among the Roro and Mekeo tribes. Priests of the Divine Word then reached the northern coast, followed by Franciscans, Capuchins, and Marists on Bougainville Island. Several congregations came to work in Papua New Guinea.When we began our Montfortian mission in 1959, there were no Catholic churches in the vast Western Province.
To put it simply: in Papua New Guinea, we think together, decide together, and act together. This creates a very strong sense of belonging. It is very important for the faithful to take part in decision-making. They wear traditional clothing, often feathers and grass skirts, and there’s the drum. The instrument took time to be accepted in the Church because it was previously used in traditional rites, but after about fifteen years, the Papuans themselves decided to use it in the Church.
So, when the people see that being a Catholic means belonging to a small base community, it aligns with their cultural background. The other challenge is witchcraft, less common than before, but women are still accused. This creates violence in communities. Changing this requires long work of patience, prayer, and forgiveness.
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