A small Port Moresby parish turns into a refuge of joy

By Claudia Torres and Franco Piroli – Port Moresby

St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Tokarara, a residential suburb of Port Moresby, has become a temporary home for Catholic pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Mount Hagen who have made the long journey to the Papua New Guinea capital to see Pope Francis during his apostolic journey.

A lively scene greeted our team as we entered the parking lot, where a group of women in colorful outfits were dancing and singing. Others, both men and women, sat in small groups with friends and family.

But four women – Julian, Catherine, Helen and Angela – were busy cooking for all the guests. They were in good spirits, laughing and joking as they cooked five large pots of rice on piles of wood outside.