The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Papua New Guinea has sparked excitement and joy among the local Catholic community. In an interview with Aid to the Church in Need, Fr. Martin Prado, a missionary who has worked in the country for 10 years, shared his experiences and insights about the local faith.
Fr. Prado highlighted the simplicity and vibrancy of the locals’ faith, likening it to a child’s faith. However, he also noted the challenges posed by the strong influence of indigenous spirituality and ancestral traditions, which can lead to a mixing of beliefs and superstitions with Catholicism.
Despite these challenges, Fr. Prado reported that his missionary work has borne fruit, with many locals able to discern between true and false beliefs without formal catechism. He emphasized the importance of prayer and dedication to others in maintaining a strong faith.
The Pope’s visit, scheduled for September 2-13, has been met with enthusiasm and preparation, including prayer vigils, talks, and days of confession. Fr. Prado hopes that the visit will strengthen the faith and spiritual life of believers and provide young people with role models and inspiration.
He also appealed for global prayers for the country, the local population, and the Pope’s visit, as well as for Papuan missionaries and vocations to the priesthood, which he believes can bring about lasting change.