SALISBURY — Bishop Siby Mathew Peedikayil of the Diocese of Aitape, Papua New Guinea, traveled 9,000 miles to Sacred Heart Parish June 29-30 as part of a mission appeal on behalf of his diocese.
This is Bishop Siby’s second visit to the Salisbury parish, which is building a mission relationship with his diocese in Papua New Guinea, an emerging nation of more than 600 inhabited islands in Oceania.
About a quarter of Papua New Guinea’s population, approximately 1.5 million people, are Catholic, and many in the Aitape diocese are fishermen or subsistence farmers living in remote mountain villages.
The bishop specifically appealed for donations to support his diocese’s growing seminarian program, build a much-needed junior high school, provide help to people addicted to drugs, and provide food for the hungry.
The visit was arranged through the Diocese of Charlotte’s Mission Cooperative Appeal, which enables parishes here to partner with lay organizations, dioceses and religious orders that are engaged in the Church’s mission work worldwide. Pictured are Bishop Siby with Father John Eckert, pastor; and Bishop Siby visiting with village residents and blessing a new boat.
— Photos provided by Sacred Heart Parish
