Kundiawa Catholic diocese hosts three-day celebration for Divine Word Missionaries
The Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa hosted a three-day celebration to mark the 150th anniversary of the society of the Divine Word Missionaries [SVD] worldwide and their 130 years in Papua New Guinea.
The events also honored 40 years of priestly service by SVD priest Fr. Ryszard Wajda, parish priest of Wangoi Parish in Chuave District.
Kundiawa Diocese was the first in the Highlands region to welcome SVD missionaries 92 years ago, establishing mission stations from Denglagu to Mingende and beyond. The SVD built churches, schools, aid posts, and health centers across the region, serving as witnesses to the light and bringing hope to communities.
The SVD's work in Papua New Guinea began in 1896 on Tumleo Island in East Sepik Province, followed by Alexishafen in Madang Province.
By 1933, they trekked through Brahman and the Bundi Range to settle in Denglagu, Simbu Province, where the first SVD parish was established and still stands today. Local mission carriers, helpers, and leaders played key roles in helping communities accept the early missionaries.
Bishop of Kundiawa Diocese, the Most Rev. Paul Sundu, approved the celebrations, affirming the need to honor the SVD for the light they brought to the Highlands.
"They not only shared the Gospel but also introduced vital health and education services. For 92 years, we have benefited from the schools and health facilities they established. Many of our children and even we ourselves are educated today, and hundreds of thousands have been saved through their health services," Bishop Sundu said.
He also thanked God for the SVD missionaries and Fr. Ryszard Wajda's dedicated service in evangelization and education.
Originally from Poland, Fr. Ryszard arrived in PNG in 1985 as a young priest and has served in Neragaima Parish, Kup Parish, Hobe Karamui Parish, and now Wangoi Parish.
He has built seven schools and an outstation in Kieri, Salt Nomane/Karamui District.
"You shall now be called 'Papa bilong Simbu' after Fr. John Nilles SVD, 'Papa bilong Education [Father of Simbu and Father of Education]. Congratulations on your 40 years and thank you for your invaluable service to the people of Simbu," he said.
Fr. Richo SVD, Provincial Superior of the SVD in PNG, joined in congratulating Fr. Ryszard.
"I am proud of my brother priest's achievements and tremendous impact on Simbu communities. Congratulations on this milestone, and may God bless you for another 40 years," he said.
He also thanked the people of Simbu and Wangoi for caring for SVD missionaries and praised the Kundiawa Diocese for its leadership and the overwhelming support from parishioners.
Fr. Ryszard expressed his gratitude by thanking God for sending him to Simbu and his parents and family for their courage and prayers.
"I wholeheartedly thank the catechists who guided me in my early days, the priests, religious, bishops, and the people of Simbu for making me one of your own. I'am blessed to be called a Simbu man," Fr. Richard said.
Attendees included parishioners from across Kundiawa Diocese in Simbu Province, pioneer lay missionary Sieland Herman from Denglagu and other laypeople.
SVD missionaries and priests from Highlands dioceses and representatives from religious congregations and institutions in Simbu, Goroka, Jiwaka, Mt. Hagen, Enga, and Southern Highlands Provinces were also present.