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Papua New Guinea News
Fr. Bill Fey O.F.M.Cap. Named Bishop of Kimbe, PNG
On Tuesday, June 8, 2010, the Holy Father announced the appointment of Capuchin friar Father Bill Fey to be the bishop of Kimbe, Papua New Guinea. Father Bill is a member of the Province of St. Augustine and has been in Papua New Guinea since 1980. He is currently the Vice Provincial of the Capuchins in Papua New Guinea. He was born in western Pennsylvania and attended St. Fidelis Seminary in Herman, PA. After receiving his doctorate from Oxford University, he taught philosophy at St. Fidelis College and Borromeo Seminary (Wickliffe, OH). Most of his ministry in Papua New Guinea was teaching philosophy and theology in the seminary in Bomana, Port Moresby, PNG.
The diocese of Kimbe comprises the PNG province of West New Britain. There are 130,000 Catholics in the diocese, served by 19 diocesan priests.
Bishop-elect Bill received the news of the appointment on his way to the United States to attend the Provincial Chapter in Pittsburgh last week. He returns to Papua New Guinea at the end of the month. His episcopal ordination is set for October 9 in Kimbe, WNB, PNG. The newly-elected Provincial Minister, Father David Nestler, plans to attend the ordination.
With his episcopal appointment Father Bill ceases to be the Vice Provincial, and taking up his responsibilities is Father Jonathan Williams, the current novice master of the Capuchin novices in Pangia, PNG.
Ordination
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Through the help of people like you, our Capuchin missionaries have helped achieve new milestones in the growth of the Church in Papua New Guinea. On February 1, 2009, Capuchin friar Paul Patlo was ordained by Capuchin Bishop Stephen Reichert. In an open field near the Mendi Cathedral more than 2,000 people attended the ceremony and enthusiastically sang the praises of the Lord. “These occasions bring tears of joy to your eyes,” says our Director Fr. Francis Fugini. When the candidate is called to come forth to join the priesthood he appears in traditional dress. He then leaves briefly to change into his habit and alb for ordination. The joy of seeing a young man trade the old ways for the new, in front of an ecstatic congregation, “is one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life,” says Father Francis. Your help is necessary to continue this growth. We are currently seeking funds in support of a much needed seminary building for the education and formation of young men like these. To make a donation to further the work of our missionaries, click here. |
Typical Papuan dress |
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Before his ordination, Brother Paul Patlo stands with Bishop Stephen Reichert and native priests and seminarians. These men represent the future of the faith in Papua New Guinea. |
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Let the celebration begin. |
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Perpetual Vows
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On January 25, 2009, Brothers Christopher Drua, Norbert Kawai, and Barnabas Alu professed perpetual vows. |
| Brother Christopher Drua (right) stands with his proud Mother (left), Father Bill Fey, and Brother Christopher's sister. On this day Brother Christopher professed his final vows. |
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