Kupang, Indonesia. On 24 February 2026, Fr. Yohanes Paulus I, CMF; Fr. Metodius Manek, CMF; and Fr. Edvan Andreas Ru’u, CMF departed from Kupang, Indonasia (Ave Maria Province) for their new missionary assignment in Papua New Guinea. Their journey began at El Tari International Airport of Kupang and continued via Surabaya and Makassar due to a change in airline scheduling, before proceeding overnight toward Jayapura in a spirit of gratitude and trust in God.
The words of St. Anthony Mary Claret, “My Spirit is for the whole world,” resonate deeply in this missionary departure. To leave one’s homeland and embrace a new people and culture is to embody this universal horizon of the Gospel. Each stage of the journey, even with its unexpected adjustments, became an expression of availability and fidelity to the Church’s call.
On the morning of 25 February 2026, after arriving in Jayapura, the missionaries crossed the border into Papua New Guinea. The process was smooth, supported by the helpful cooperation of officials on both sides. When flooding delayed the reception team from Aitape, the Diocese of Vanimo extended generous hospitality, welcoming and accommodating them overnight.
In Vanimo, the missionaries completed essential preparations, participated in Eucharistic Adoration, and celebrated their first Holy Mass in Papua New Guinea in Tok Pisin. This first Eucharistic celebration marked more than a liturgical milestone; it signified the formal beginning of our missionary presence and our desire to proclaim the Word of God in the language of the people they are called to serve.
On 26 February 2026, they traveled by road from Vanimo to Aitape, passing rural villages that will gradually become part of their pastoral mission. Upon arrival at the Diocese of Aitape, they were personally welcomed by Bishop Siby Mathew Peedikayil, HGN. The Bishop escorted them to their temporary residence at the St. John of God Guest House and later joined them for a communal dinner with priests, sisters, and collaborators. During the gathering, he expressed gratitude to the Claretian Congregation for sending missionaries and formally welcomed them into the diocesan family.
The first three weeks will be dedicated to orientation under the Bishop’s guidance, while the missionaries begin systematic learning of Tok Pisin to prepare for effective pastoral ministry.
In this new beginning, the missionary spirit of Claret once again finds concrete expression. Rooted in prayer, sustained by fraternity, and guided by the Church, the Claretian presence in the Diocese of Aitape unfolds as a living testimony that the Spirit of the Lord is indeed for the whole world.
