I am incredibly proud to have been part of the historic event of the canonisation of Peter To Rot, a Melanesian from Papua New Guinea, writes Vanuatu-born Fr Olivier Noclam SVD. His canonisation marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first Pacific native saint, inspiring many within our community and beyond.

The ceremony took place in St Peter's Square on October 19, and was officiated by Pope Leo XIV. It was a momentous occasion, and I was deeply moved to see the flags of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea flying among the crowds, symbolising the unity and pride of our Melanesian nations. During the service, a member of Peter To Rot’s family brought forward the relics of the saint, creating a powerful link to his spiritual legacy.

Fr Ennio Mantovani SVD, a missionary for more than 64 years, has launched a new book, bringing to life in vibrant pictures his 15 years of living with and accompanying the people of Yobai in Papua New Guinea.

The book, entitled History of Yobai in Pictures, is a companion volume to Fr Ennio’s 2019 written account of his missionary life, entitled Sixty Years of Priestly and Missionary Life.

Fr Ennio Mantovani SVD has launched his latest book - 'A History of Yobai in Pictures'.

The book gives a pictorial history of Fr Ennio's many years as a missionary in Yobai, Papua New Guinea. Arriving in 1965, at the same time as the Second Vatican Council was encouraging the Church to go out into the world, Fr Ennio lived his missionary life in the belief that mission needs to be carried out in dialogue with the people and their culture.

The Divine Word Missionaries this month celebrated 125 years in Papua New Guinea with a range of celebrations, giving thanks to God for all the blessings bestowed on the mission, the people, and the missionaries themselves.

SVD Superior-General, Fr Paul Budi Kleden, was special guest at the celebrations, having made it all the way from Rome, despite the COVID-related difficulties in international travel.

Fr Kevin Cantwell SVD has launched a book of reminiscences of his time as a missionary in Papua New Guinea, in which he says the focus is not on him, but on the people of PNG, the missionaries who have served there, and the lay catechists and local church members.

Fr Kevin, who turned 90 in October, was a missionary in PNG from 1976 to 2003, first on the Sepik River and then in the Highlands, having been transferred there at the age of 48, after 16 years of appointments in Australia, including a time as Provincial.