Our Mission > Bishop Firmin's Jubilee
Bishop Firmin's Jubilee
In December 1990 Bishop Firmin Schmidt marked the twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination as a bishop at a joyous celebration in the beautiful new cathedral. Bishops from all over the country and the Papal Delegate from Port Moresby came to take part in the festivities. Thousands of people from every part of the diocese walked to Mendi to thank Bishop Firmin and to show their appreciation for his love, care, and devotion to them.|
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Three years later, at the age of 75, according to Church law, Bishop Firmin submitted his letter of resignation as Ordinary of the Mendi Diocese. In 1995 it was accepted. The Church in the Southern Highlands grew from infancy to maturity during the thirty-six years of Bishop Firmin's leadership. From a dozen friars in 1959, personnel grew to hundreds - including priests, sisters, brothers, lay missionaries, catechists, and people from the villages serving the Church in myriad ways. From a handful of Catholics, the number grew to nearly a hundred thousand. Bishop Firmin also served the entire Church in Papua New Guinea through his work in the Bishops' Conference. His leadership was greatly respected by the other bishops and the government officials as well. |
