The Vineyard Workers

26/01/2026

Youth Executive Election for a New Term: Eastern Deanery Dominates

Eriku, Lae: The Lae Diocesan Youth Desk held its executive election on Saturday, 24th January 2026 at St. Michael’s Parish Hall (Margret Naben Hall), to which new leaders were elected to serve the youths of the Diocese. The election marked the beginning of a new term of leadership, with strong representation from the Eastern Deanery.
The election followed the completion of the previous three-year term, in line with the Youth Desk’s regular leadership cycle. The Diocesan Youth Desk plays a key role in fostering both spiritual and personal development among young people. Through its programs and activities, promotion of faith formation, moral values, and leadership skills, while also providing opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and personal growth. Each leadership transition ensures that the Desk continues to guide and support the youth of the diocese effectively.
The election was officiated by the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, Fr Ricci Podador, SVD, and conducted by the former Youth President, James Turbarat Laho. Youth representatives from different parishes participated, with mothers and fathers also present to observe the proceedings. The process took some time as a few candidates were initially undecided about accepting positions, testing the commitment of those involved. A total of 30 people attended, with 25 casting their votes for the new leadership. The results showed strong representation from the Eastern Deanery, while other deaneries, including Central, Markham, Mountain, and Island, had fewer representatives. Observers noted that the lower turnout from some parishes may have influenced the distribution of leadership positions. Despite this, the election followed proper procedure, and the new executive is set to lead the Diocesan Youth Desk for the coming term.
The newly elected executive members of the Lae Diocesan Youth Desk were Blasius Guavale as President (Animator), Jerome Karagu as Vice President, Leanne Taplan as Secretary, Phillipa Koliamba as Vice Secretary, Condoleeza S. as Treasurer, and Consaca Musufi as Vice Treasurer. Speaking after the election, President Blasius Guavale expressed his gratitude to the former president and to the youth who participated in the voting process. He thanked everyone for their support and encouraged all members to work together with the new leadership, emphasizing unity and dedicated service to the youth across the Diocese of Lae.
Fr Ricci Podador, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the former Diocesan Youth Desk members — James Turbarat Laho, Lameck Ephraim, Shermagrace Alois, Benita, and Aurthur — for their commitment, dedication, sacrifice, and service to the youth of the Diocese. “You’ve done your best, and what you’ve done will never be forgotten,” Fr Ricci said. He also thanked the new leadership for accepting the call to serve and for continuing the legacy of their predecessors. “Thank you for your courageous ‘yes’ to this ministry. By saying yes to this task, you accept responsibilities and duties to carry out. I know some of you may be wondering what to do in your new positions, but don’t worry, we will all work together and support one another,” he added.
Looking ahead, the newly elected executive of the Lae Diocesan Youth Desk plans to focus on strengthening youth programs, faith formation, and community engagement across the Diocese. President Blasius Guavale emphasized the importance of unity, active participation, and service, encouraging all youths to take part in upcoming activities and initiatives. The new leadership aims to build on the foundation laid by their predecessors, ensuring that young people continue to grow spiritually, socially, and personally while contributing to the life of the Church.
The election of the new Diocesan Youth Desk executive marks a significant milestone in fostering the growth and engagement of youth across the Diocese of Lae. As the new leaders begin their term, the Church and community are encouraged to support and pray for them, working together to uphold the values of faith, unity, and service. With their dedication and the guidance of the Chaplain and parish mentors, the Diocese’s youth are well-positioned to continue flourishing spiritually, socially, and personally under this new leadership.

20/01/2026

Bishop of Lae Diocese Blesses New Grotto

East Taraka, Lae: St. Sebastian’s Parish at East Taraka, Lae, marked a significant moment in its spiritual journey on Sunday, 18th of January. The Bishop of Lae Diocese, His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes, blessed the newly constructed Grotto during the parish’s 36th anniversary celebrations.
In his homily, Bishop Rozario Menezes reflected on the life and witness of Saint Sebastian, reminding the faithful that despite trials and suffering, the saint remained steadfast in his faith and trust in God. The Bishop emphasized that, St. Sebastian’s life teaches Christians to remain strong in faith during times of difficulty and sorrow, and to reach out in love and support to those who are struggling. He encouraged the congregation to carry their crosses with perseverance, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Drawing from the words, “Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), the Bishop called on the faithful to keep their eyes fixed on Christ, who gives strength, hope, and salvation to all who remain faithful.
Following the homily, the Holy Mass continued as usual with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. After the 'Prayer after Communion', the congregation proceeded in a solemn procession to the newly constructed Grotto outside the church. The recessional procession was carried out by St. Joseph’s BCC, followed by His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes, together with Fr. Wilfred Salhun, Parish Priest of St. Sebastian’s and Fr Kristoff Zacharuk, the priest responsible for the Catholic parishes of the Siassi Islands accompanied by the altar servers and Reverend Joseph Kun, a Deacon from Simbu Diocese, who was also present and assisted in serving during the Mass. The blessing of the Grotto, named 'Mary Queen of Martyrs', marked the main highlight of the day, signifying the parish’s deep Marian devotion and its continued journey of faith as it celebrated 36 years since her establishment. The Holy Mass was concluded with the final blessing by His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes.
After the Holy Mass, the parishioners observed a short break before gathering for lunch. After the meal, the second part of the celebration continued with a thanksgiving program, during which several speeches were delivered in appreciation of the parish’s milestone and achievements. Speaking during the program, the parish treasurer, Mrs. Margaret Eko, expressed her heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the parish executives to the builders who constructed the Grotto, describing it as a masterpiece and a long-cherished parish dream brought into reality. She noted that the Grotto would stand as a testament to the quality of their work for generations to come. Mrs. Eko also acknowledged the parishioners as the backbone of the project, thanking them for their generous contributions in both cash and kind. She concluded,” May this Grotto serves as a peaceful sanctuary, a place for prayer, reflection and deepening devotion to the Blessed Mother”.
After the thanksgiving program, items were presentation by the various Basic Christian Communities, Fr. Wilfred Salhun, the parish priest delivered his closing remarks. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the parish executive members for their hard work and commitment in making the 36th anniversary celebration and feast day as both meaningful and successful. Fr. Salhun also thanked the parishioners for their obedience, humility, and the spirit of working together, noting that through unity and cooperation the parish has been blessed to achieve another milestone with the completion of a new Grotto. He concluded the celebration with a word of prayer, entrusting the parish and its future endeavors to God’s continued guidance and blessing.

06/01/2026

Closing of the Jubilee Door. Lae Diocese. St Mary's Cathedral. Presider His LORDSHIP bishop Rosario Menezes.

30/12/2025

TVW captures the moments of 2025 about the Diocese of Lae. Lest we forget 😊😇

27/12/2025

The Importance of the Sacrament of Marriage as emulated by Saint Peter ToRot by His LORDSHIP the Bishop of Lae and vice President of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Bishop Rosario Menezes SMM.😇😇

22/12/2025

Good Morning. Merry Christmas to you All. May Christ be born again in all good loving Hearts.

12/12/2025

A little chat before mass 3rd day at Vunapope.

12/12/2025

11/12/2025

His Lordship Rosario Menezes SMM, bishop of Lae Diocese at the opening mass of the great celebrations in Vunapope. Pictured here as he was among other bishop who were in the entrance proccession. Day one of the 4 days of celebrations.

28/11/2025

28/11/2025

The 3rd of November is the feast day of Saint Martin de Pores. Papuan Compound Catholic Community gathered together on the 23rd of November to celebrate 3 occasions, The feast of Christ the King, the feast of Saint Martin De Pores and the 50 years of existence as a parish for saint Martin's Papuan Compound alongside Papua New Guinea's 50 years anniversary on the year 2025. Here is the highlight of the liturgical Mass presided by his Lordship Bishop Rosario Menezes of the Diocese of Lae.