Discovering the Beauty of Papua New Guinea: Insights from Fr Brian Nonde
Reflecting on his time in Papua New Guinea, Fr Brian Nonde shared, “For us African missionaries, the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG) teach us invaluable lessons on living our Christian faith in harmony with nature, the importance of family life, nurturing human relationships, and honoring culture and traditions.”
Fr Paul Samasumo – Vatican City
Fr Brian Nonde, a member of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mariannhill, also known as the Marianhill Fathers, recently shared his experiences with Vatican News during Pope Francis’ historic visit to Papua New Guinea. Currently stationed in PNG’s Diocese of Lae as the Director of the local Catholic radio station, FM 103.7, and serving as an associate parish priest, Fr Brian has had an extensive missionary journey, having previously worked in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Rome.
When asked about the significance of Pope Francis’ visit to PNG for him as an African missionary, Fr Brian expressed that the visit shines a light on the often overlooked society of Papua New Guinea. He emphasized how the visit acknowledges the importance of the Christian faithful and the people of PNG in the eyes of the Pope, the universal Church, and the world at large.
Fr Brian continued, sharing his admiration for the love and warmth of the Papua New Guinean people, stressing the positive impact the Pope’s visit will have on the country and beyond its borders. He highlighted the importance of valuing local vocations and emphasized the need for missionaries to prioritize fostering indigenous clergy.
Furthermore, Fr Brian emphasized the unity among various religious congregations working in PNG and encouraged young African missionaries to consider serving in the country, recognizing the rich cultural heritage and the harmony with nature demonstrated by the people of PNG. He saw immense value in learning from their traditions and how they coexist with the environment.
Fr Brian shared engaging anecdotes of his experiences in Papua New Guinea, depicting the deep respect for nature and the profound cultural identity maintained by the people. He spoke of the patience and adaptability of the local community in the face of nature’s forces, illustrating a valuable lesson in living in harmony with the environment.
As we delve into the diverse and awe-inspiring culture of Papua New Guinea through the eyes of Fr Brian Nonde, we can glean profound insights on faith, culture, and environmental sustainability from this unique corner of the world.
