The delegation of Papua-New-Guinea celebrated the inauguration of the Tercentenary of the death of Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort in Saint Martin de Porres Parish, Morata, Port Moresby.
A day of prayer and reflection on Montfort’s writings was specially organized by the Legion of Mary of Port Moresby archdiocese. All the parishes were well represented. About 300 legionnaires participated in the day of reflexion. Montfort spirituality was presented on that day with a special stress on the “True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin”, which is very important for the Legionnaires.
Father Leo Bayu shared his own experience as a member of the Legion of Mary. He explained how he was encouraged to become a priest and specially a Montfortian Missionary. Father Rozario Menezes talked about his Marian consecration, insisting on the importance of the going to Jesus through Mary.
During the Eucharist, which ended the day, Father Rozario Menezes insisted on the importance of Mary in our Christian life. The celebration was well organized by the Legionnaires of Saint Martin de Porres who offered to the guests a friendly and sumptuous meal.
The day after, a solemn Mass was celebrated by Rev. Otto Separay, Bishop of Aitape. The Archbishop of Port Moresby, John Ribat, attended the celebrations. During his homily, father Rozario Menezes recounted the history of the Montfortian family, above all the mission in Papua-New-Guinea. Most of the Montfortian missionaries attended the celebration and took part in the offertory procession.
The Montfortian Associates movement was launched and lots of parishioners and other people showed their interest to become members of the association.
After the lunch, prepared by parishioners of Saint Martin de Porres, an exposition of Montfort’s writings and banners opened.
The parishioners offered to the Montfortian Family, a roasted pork as a reward for their presence in Papua-New-Guinea.
The event ended by a speech of the Archbishop John Ribat who thanked the Montfortian missionaries for their work and for the testimony of their lives that inspired many to follow Father Montfort’s footsteps.
Father Rozario Menezes, Montfortian missionary
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