CBC Papua New Guinea Sets Vision for 2025 in First Annual Meeting

The Catholic Bishops' Conference (CBC) of Papua New Guinea held its first meeting of the year on February 18, at the CBC Headquarters, bringing together commission secretaries for key updates, reflections, and planning for 2025. 

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Sr. Sharon of the Committee for Mission, followed by a welcome from Fr. Lawrence Arockiaraj, General Secretary, emphasized the importance of evaluating past efforts and aligning plans to better serve the Church and communities. 

Discussions covered major areas such as Christian Formation and Integral Human Development, with reports from various commissions outlining successes, challenges, and strategic goals for the year. 

Representatives from the National Catholic Education, Liturgical Catechetical Institute, and the Commission of Social Communications shared updates, while some organizations, including the Melanesian Training Institute and the Commission for Doctrine, Law and Marriage, sent their apologies due to other commitments. 

The Committee for Integral Human Development presented reports from Caritas Papua New Guinea, the Commission for Youth, and Catholic Church Health Services, focusing on social issues, community services, and human rights advocacy. 

The gathering also included discussions on Ecumenism, Inter-Faith Dialogue, and Right Relationships, alongside financial and administrative matters essential for the CBC’s operations in 2025. 

With commission heads and representatives engaged in active dialogue, the meeting reinforced collaborative efforts to strengthen the Catholic Church’s mission across Papua New Guinea. 

The session concluded with a summary of key takeaways and a closing prayer.