On Sunday, March 12, friends of PNG living in Sydney gathered at the Sacred Heart Monastery, Kensington, to welcome Cardinal Sir John Ribat msc and to celebrate the appointment by Pope Francis of the first Cardinal in Papua New Guinea and the first MSC to be granted such an honour.

The celebration of the Eucharist was enriched by the cultural dancing during the liturgy by Mekeo people (with some help from their neighbours - the Roros). Cardinal Ribat was assisted by Bishop Sir Desmond Moore msc, emeritus bishop of Alotau, and Bishop Austen Crapp ofm and many MSC and Franciscan priests.

The Deputy High Commissioner and his wife travelled from Canberra to attend and when he later spoke he acknowledged the contribution to his country of the Australian missionaries in many fields. The PNG Consul-General from Sydney also attended.

The Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart who were present were happy to meet up with many PNG friends and also some Rabaul Chinese, young and old, who were able to be there on a beautiful Sydney day.