After hearing a priest, a religious sister, a representative at the Synod, and a lay catechist bear witness to the challenges they face in their respective ministries, Pope Francis offered a message of hope, inviting pastoral workers in Papua New Guinea to be courageous in making new beginnings, with the confident hope that their efforts will bear fruit.

He recalled the story of St John Bosco, inspired by the Blessed Virgin to build a church in her honor. “Mary promised him that if he had the courage to begin the construction of the church, great graces would follow.”

That story, he noted, was the inspiration for the location of Saturday’s encounter, the Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians.

It can also be “a symbol for us of three aspects of our missionary journey,” the Pope said, “that were highlighted in the testimonies we just heard: the courage to begin, the beauty of being present, and the hope of growing.”

The Holy Father praised the early missionaries, both foreign and indigenous, who brought the faith to Papua New Guinea, and who did not give up even if their first efforts seemed to fail.

“It is thanks to them,” he said, “to their ‘starts’ and ‘restarts,’ that we are here, and that despite the current challenges… we continue to move forward without fear, knowing we are not alone.”

He recommended that in their own ‘beginnings,” they start with those on the peripheries, whether on the margins of urban populations or in the most remote and abandoned areas of the country.

Pope Francis went on to highlight the “beauty of being present,” assuring those present that “we are the most beautiful treasure in the eyes of the Father,” and inviting them demonstrate to all the beauty “of following Jesus together and proclaiming His Gospel.”

He insisted that the beauty of presence is not found so much in large events, “but rather in the faithfulness and love with which we strive to grow together every day.”

Finally, Pope Francis looked to the Shrine’s “catechesis through images,” and particular the images of the Old Testament patriarchs who were made fruitful through faith.

“This is an important symbol, because it also encourages us today to have confidence in the fruitfulness of our apostolate,” even if they seem to begin small.

 “Let us continue, therefore, to evangelize patiently,” the Pope said, without allowing ourselves to be discouraged by difficulties or misunderstandings, even when they arise in places where we especially do not want to encounter them.”

Pope Francis concluded his reflection with an exhortation to all pastoral workers in Papua New Guinea: “Carry on your mission,” he said, “as witnesses of courage, beauty and hope!”

Pope to Papuan children: Keep the light of love burning

On the other hand, at the Caritas Technical Secondary School in Port Moresby on Saturday, September 7, Pope Francis greeted some 800 children in the care of Street Ministry and Callan Services.

Street Ministry, run by the Sisters of the Society of the Heart of Jesus, cares for impoverished children, aged 7 to 14, providing them with essential needs and education.

Callan Services is the largest provider of services for children and adults with disabilities in Papua New Guinea. It serves as a leading advocate for disability rights and representation, focusing on inclusive education and training for all people with disabilities in the country.

After a greeting from the Cardinal Archbishop of Port Moresby, John Ribat, a group from the Street Ministry performed a traditional song and dance. 

Two children then asked questions. The first from Callan Services, speaking in sign language, asked the Pope: "Why am I not able like others?"

The second, from Street Ministry, asked "How can we make ourselves useful to make our world a beautiful place?"

After another performance of song and dance, it was Pope Francis' turn to greet the children and answer their questions. 

He expressed gratitude for the questions posed and in response to the question, "Why am I not like the others?"

Pope Francis highlighted that "none of us are like the others: we are all unique before God!"

He emphasized that each person has a unique role and mission, which can bring both challenges and profound joy and encouraged all to focus on the love they give and receive, noting that "Our joy depends on nothing else: only on love!"

Responding then to the second question on how to make the world more beautiful and happier, Pope Francis stressed that love is the key: "With the same 'recipe': by learning day by day to love God and others with all our hearts!" He encouraged the children to grow and improve by learning and applying themselves fully.

Finally, Pope Francis urged everyone to keep "the light of love burning" as a symbol of hope for the world.