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The Bishop’s visit to Moian Village on the Fly River of Western Province, Papua New Guinea on 26 December, 2011 (Boxing Day).
The Bishop’s visit to Moian Village on the Fly River of Western Province, Papua New Guinea on 26 December, 2011 (Boxing Day).
We made our way down to the Kiunga Wharf in the morning where the boat was being readied for the Bishop and his entourage.
We navigated through a shortcut on the way; it takes about an hour off the travelling time.
It involved us getting off the boat, wading through shallow waters, pushing and pulling the boat with us across a narrow isthmus instead of navigating around it.
We reached the village at last.
The children were the first to welcome us.
Some even in their traditional garb, or lack thereof…
The Bishop was escorted into the village amidst much fanfare.
His guards of honour ran beside him, escorting him all the way to…
…the old church.
They patiently waited outside the old church while…
…the bishop heard the confessions of the faithful inside,
... and under the watchful gaze of the Holy Mother.
With confessions heard and absolutions granted, the bishop was ready to visit the site of the new church.
His guards of honour again sprang to life and flanked him the entire journey.
The grounds of the new church had been consecrated and construction started.
Its completion entirely dependent on how quickly materials can be transported down the fly.
Within the church, a font made from a disused water container stands ready for the faithful to receive the sacrament of baptism.
The mass starts with a procession into church led by the musicians and choir
The Mass celebrated by the Bishop; his Mitre decorated according to local customs.
The sacrament of baptism by the Bishop was performed during mass...
...as the faithful knelt in worship and prayer.
The musicians finally relax after mass and pose for a picture.
We used the shortcut again on the way back.
So it was into the water to push and pull again…
…and I could not help but think of crocodiles as I waded through the shallow waters…
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