A Thrilling Moment
Published by Fr. Robert Perianayagam, SMM in Papua New Guinea · Saturday 29 Dec 2018
Tags: NU, PNG, 475
Tags: NU, PNG, 475
DARU,
Papua New Guinea - The preceding week of Christmas brought
forth a thrilling moment for St. Louis-Marie de Montfort Parish – Daru, when we
awaited the arrival of three significant people from the Society of Mary of
Montfort (SMM), who had come all the way from Rome and India. These were: Fr. Luiz Augusto Stefani, the
Superior General; Fr. Michael Sagayaraj, the previous superior of the Indian Vice-Province
and J Joseph the newly elected superior of the Vice-Province of India. Their visit to the parish took place from
19th to 21st of December 2018.
Upon their arrival, they were
met and welcomed at the Daru Airport by the Parish Priest Fr. Robert
Perianayagam SMM, the Montfort Associates and some children who proudly dressed
in their traditional attires. As they arrived at the Parish, they were again
welcomed by the parishioners who had been thrilled by the loving presence of
these three significant men, and of course with the vivid surrounding and atmosphere
of the moment. The surrounding was vividly brightened by the triangular-
colourful flags flying up in the air, the bright smiles of every parishioner
present, and of course as usual, the spectacular performance of the dancers.
In the evening they took time
to go around to see the Daru town and visited our Catholic members. People were
so happy to shake hands with the fathers and took some memorable photos as
well.
Then came the second day
where Mass was celebrated at 9 am in thanksgiving with six Montfort Priests,
including the Fr. General who was the main celebrant. The liturgy was fully
alive with much spirit of joy, unity, prayer and worship, and even with a very
prominent, powerful and inspiring homily delivered by Fr. Michael Sagayaraj.
The highlight of the day was the active participation of everyone at Mass and
especially the three visiting priests who spontaneously join the dance at the
recessional.
After the lunch Fr. Robert
organized the boat (dingy) to visit the close-by village. It was three hours
travel by boat. Indeed, fathers enjoyed their trip. The villagers were so happy
to see them. They had a wonderful chat with the people.
The visit of these three
great men depicted in time, the moment of the current season of Advent and the
approaching Festive Season which was only one week away. Their loving presence
among us was indeed a blessing as we entered into the Festive Season of
Christmas. We sincerely enjoyed and treasured their loving presence. Thank you dear fathers for visiting us. Merry
Christmas to all.
- Fr. Robert Perianayagam, SMM
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