Montfortian Pilgrimage in Port Moresby
[FR]
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea - The Montfortian Family in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) had a memorable pilgrimage on Saturday, July 20, 2024. Gladly rejoicing, around 60 participants from the Montfort Associates, the Junior Friends of Montfort, the Montfort Missionaries of the Company of Mary and the Daughters of Wisdom took part in the event. The pilgrimage started at 8:00AM from St. Martin de Porres Parish, at Morata (a parish of Montfort Missionaries work), covering four parishes within the Archdiocese of Port Moresby and ended at 12:30PM.
The main theme of the Pilgrimage was “Wokabaut wantaim Mama Maria” (Walking together with Mother Mary), and the main intention: “Asking the Lord to fructify the Montfortian Family in the world, particularly in PNG. Also praying for peace in the world and in everyone’s respective family”.
The pilgrimage was opened by the introduction of the itinerary of the journey which was presented by Rev. Fr. Laurensius OLA RUING, SMM (PNG Chaplain of the Groups of Montfortian spirituality). Along the way, the pilgrims joyfully prayed the holy rosary and sang Marian hymns. On top of that, there were also four sharings given by the Montfortian Scholastics in each station.
The first sharing was given by Bro. Anselm WAHINJAUSE, SMM at St. Martin de Porres Parish on “Mary’s Yes”. Referring to Lk 1:26-38, he explained the greatness of Mary’s Yes. He also invited the pilgrims to think about their ‘Yes’ as expressed through their baptismal promises. Then, he called them to be available, docile and faithful to the will of God like Mother Mary.
Likewise, the second sharing was given by Bro. Godwin DALLE, SMM at Mary Queen of Pacific Parish, on “Mary as Mother and Mediatrix”. Relying on Jn 19:25-27 & Jn 2:3-5, he pointed out how Mary is the mother of all the followers of Christ and how powerful is her intercession. Therefore, he invited all pilgrims to be good children to such good mother and to address always their petitions to Christ through her.
Moreover, the third sharing was given by Bro. Majoric MANIRAMBOGOYE, SMM at St. Mary’s Cathedral on “Montfortian Marian Devotion”. Referring to SM 24-28, he helped pilgrims to distinguish different Marian devotions; then he pointed out the particularity of the Montfortian Marian devotion with its practices. He briefly said that this Montfortian Marian devotion consists in consecrating oneself totally to Jesus through Mary (through a loving slavery), and do everything with Mary, in Mary, through Mary and for Mary. After an admirable explanation regarding the consecration, he reminded the pilgrims that this Consecration is just the Renewal of the Baptismal promises; and the Montfortian spirituality is Christocentric. Christ is the center and the destination for all our Montfortian devotion and practices. He explained further about the Consecration and its obligations. Finally, he invited and encouraged the pilgrims to consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary (the safest, easiest, shortest, and perfect way to Jesus - TD 55).
The fourth sharing was given by Bro. Bienvenu LUKINU OWANGA, SMM on “The False Devotees and the True devotees of Mary” at Holy Rosary Parish (last station of the pilgrimage). He was quoting from TD 92 &105. He presented and explained with clarity the seven categories of false devotees, namely Critical, Scrupulous, Superficial, Presumptuous, Inconstant, Hypocritical and Self-interested. Later, he explained nicely the marks of true and real devotion to Mary, saying that it must be interior, trustful, holy, constant and disinterested. He then invited all pilgrims to avoid and abandon any stain of false devotion and encouraged them to cultivate in them the authentic Marian devotion.
Concluding the pilgrimage, Rev. Fr. Robert PERIANAYAGAM, SMM summarized the insights from the four sharings and reminded the pilgrims of the greatness of such pilgrimage and the profits from it. After that excellent conclusion, he led the pilgrims into a special atmosphere, preparing them for the final blessing.
Afterwards, Rev. Fr. Laurensius OLA RUING, SMM (Chaplain) expressed his gratitude towards everyone who made the pilgrimage effective and successful. Finally, Rev. Fr. Martinus WIDYATMOKO, SMM blessed all the pilgrims and sent them to live faithfully the Montfortian Spirituality.
After the blessing, the pilgrims gathered and shared joyfully some food and drinks as members of the same family. While sharing, two of many testimonies attracted a pilgrim’s attention. One Mother told him, “I’m so happy, I came distressed. But after this journey with Mother Mary, I feel released from my burdens. Honestly, I wish that such pilgrimage may be organized every weekend”. And one Junior Friend of Montfort exclaimed loudly, “I’m so excited that I wish to consecrate myself totally to Jesus through Mary, even tomorrow”.
Indeed, the pilgrimage was wonderfully enjoyable, prayerful, profitable and effective.
TOTUS TUUS!
Bro. Larousse TRESI, SMM
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