4451(I)_Kerema diocese presbytery is growing - ordination of Fr. John Billy
First priestly ordination of Bishop Peter Baquero, SDB
July 29, 2017
Kerema, PNG, July 2017 -- We send our congratulations to the newly ordained priest, Father John Billy. He is the first (diocesan) priest in Bema parish to be ordained since the first missionaries arrived here in the hills of the Gulf province only 55 years ago in 1962. Fr. John makes the number of diocesan priests in the Kerema diocese up to five(!) priests. For Bishop Peter Baquero it was the ever first priestly ordination.
The whole Kerema diocese comprises the territory of 34.000 square kilometer, total population of 128.300, with 25.200 Catholics (20%), 10 parishes, 5 diocesan priests with 7 religious priests and 14 religious sisters.
The whole territory of Kerema diocese offers many challenges of poverty, travel and communication as well very few pastors and well prepared catechists. Really a true place for Salesian missionaries of Don Bosco! Salesians of Don Bosco are present in Kerema diocese (Gulf province of PNG) for past 37 years since we are committed to evangelization and education in Araimiri, Mary Help of Christians parish and Don Bosco Secondary school with a 5 SDB strong community.
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