21/09/2026
CATHOLIC CHURCH HEALTH SERVICES VANIMO CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
The Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) of the Diocese of Vanimo has celebrated 10 years of incorporation with a small but meaningful gathering at St Therese Parish, Vanimo Village.
The celebration began with a Eucharistic Celebration led by the Bishop of Vanimo Diocese, Most Reverend Bishop Francis H. Meli, accompanied by Parish Priest Fr Prabath Bastiray. CCHS staff from the Diocese, invited guests, and parishioners of St Therese Parish joined the celebration.
In her welcome speech, Diocesan Health Secretary Sr Francisca Seelam reflected on the Catholic Church’s long history of serving the people of Papua New Guinea through health care, especially in communities where the need is greatest.
She said the incorporation of CCHS was an important step in strengthening the Church’s mission to provide quality, compassionate health care, bringing hope, dignity, healing, and compassion to those in need.
Sr Francisca also acknowledged and remembered the many health workers, religious congregations, dioceses, leaders, partners, benefactors, and communities who have contributed to the ministry over the years.
Bishop Francis Meli thanked God for the faithful health workers and encouraged CCHS staff to work in unity with government authorities and partners. He also appealed to communities to continue supporting the Church’s health ministry.
The Bishop reminded health workers to “nurse with the heart of Christ.” He encouraged them to care for patients with patience and gentleness.
“When you clean and dress a sore or wound, do it patiently and gently. Do not only treat the wound; care for the person who is suffering. That is what it means to bring the values of Christ into nursing.”
A brief history of CCHS in the Diocese of Vanimo was presented by Sr Francisca, followed by speeches from invited guests.
Mr Rodney Tirkilang, DHM Vanimo-Green, highlighted the important partnership between government and Church health services. He said there are six government health facilities and six Church health facilities supporting health services in the Vanimo-Green District.
“There are some locations that the government cannot reach, but the Church reaches,” he said.
Mr Tirkilang thanked CCHS for its partnership with Vanimo-Green District Health over the past 10 years and encouraged both sides to continue working together to address challenges and look towards the next 10 years of health service.
The 10th anniversary was a time of gratitude, remembrance, and renewed commitment to continue the Church’s mission of bringing Christ’s compassion and healing to the people of Vanimo Diocese.
10 years of service. 10 years of compassion. 10 years of bringing hope and healing to our communities.
