Arrival of St Michael, Archangel Statue to Aitape Diocese

The country of Papua New Guinea has as its patron, St Michael the Archangel. He was chosen by the Bishops since the people have a deep seated belief in spirits, including evil spirits. There was a rally for the 6 nights before the arrival of St Michael to prepare people. Thousands attended from all over Aitape Diocese and other Dioceses. The teaching was on basic catholic Christian beliefs and practices. The statue will be officially installed on Tumleo Island just across from our St Clare’s Convent, on 29^th September. It was on Tumleo that the first missionaries came to PNG from Germany in 1896.

View of Tumleo Island from our front lawn.  

           Thursday 21^st May - Preparation of the space in front of the Diocesan Offices for the Statue of St Michael to reside when not travelling to the various parishes. The trunks of tall palm trees have been used to get the height.

           Friday 22^nd May – The BIG day: The area is being decorated with flowers and drapes. Each post has been decorated with part of the banana tree and red Cholas. People worked throughout the night to get this done.

           Every street where the Statue will travel has been decorated. Sr Clara took me out in the car to see many areas where there were decorations. Each community decorated in front of their areas. Most again was done overnight so that it would be fresh for the much anticipated arrival.

          These 2 little girls are on their way to the bridge to welcome the statue. They had decorated palm leaves with frangipani flowers. They looked very pleased with themselves.

   This is the decorated entrance to the Raihu area.

Hundreds of banana trees must have been cut down to provide the base for many decorations. This family is being very creative.

Another overhead decoration all created with plant matter. 

Waiting near St Anna School with the Novice Sabastina, Postulant Joyce and Novice Lorna. We had our plants and flowers ready to wave.

A Diocesan worker and his little daughter also waiting beside us. Her father got her to raise her finger to say hello to us.

           Some of the people waiting with us. The students had been wait for about 3 hours. Things don’t always go to time!! However we were also entertained by porpoises frolicking in the water behind us.

           Here is the cause of all the excitement and preparation – St Michael on a car float, with his special carers who supported his wings on the bumpy journey. The carers were wearing red tops and long red gloves. They spent literally hours supporting his wings over the 3 days.