Catholic Jubilee celebrations in Kieta continues at Pokpok Island

Catholic faithfuls are being ferried across to Pokpok Island in Kieta, to join a foundation service later this morning to mark the arrival of the Catholic Church in Bougainville.

Two Marist priests landed in 1901 and said the first mass on Pokpok, later spreading the gospel across the region.

Visiting bishops, priests and other missionaries have been accorded a 'dutasisi' or a Kieta traditional welcome at Tubuiana Parish yesterday afternoon as the hours count down to the Central Bougainville leg of the 125 Years Jubilee Celebrations of the Catholic faith in Bougaimville.

The visiting religious dignitaries include Archbishop of East New Britain Rochus Tatamai, Archbishop of Mt. Hagen Clement Papa, Fr. Harry Moore, Fr. Phil Gibbs President of Divine Word University, and other missionaries.

Bishop of Bougainville Diocese Darius Kalusza, says the Jubilee is not only for the Central Deanery, but for the entire region, adding that Bougainville must first seek the kingdom of God and all its wish will be added to it, making particularly reference to the region's political push for independence.

Pokpok is 6.6 km² in size and is predominantly Catholic.

The island's permanent church was rebuilt months ago, after the original structure built following the missionaries landing was burnt down at the height of the Bougainville Crisis.

Faithfuls have come from across the Central Bougainville Deanery as well as from the Southwest and North (Buka-Atolls) Deanery to join in the celebrations.

This morning's celebratory service will be held at the exact sight where the first mass was held, on the beachfront.