Kina shells gleam. They adorn the walls behind the altar of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. This isn’t just any church. This is a testament to faith in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea.
Twenty-eight years after the Salesians arrived in Papua New Guinea the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians was built. Four years of tireless work went into its construction. It stands as a symbol of the growing Catholic faith in this vibrant land. The consecration in 2008 was a momentous occasion. Cardinal Thomas Williams and Archbishop John Ribat led the ceremony. Youth gathered to celebrate this new centre of devotion.
The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians is more than just bricks and mortar. Its large windows tell stories. They depict St Peter Chanel the proto-martyr of the South Seas. Paintings of Blessed John Mazzuconi and Blessed Peter To Rot Papua New Guinean martyrs also grace the windows. These saints remind us of the sacrifices made for the faith. The kina shells Melanesian symbols of wealth further enrich the shrine’s beauty.
Other windows showcase Mother Teresa John Paul II and other saints. A pictorial catechesis is woven into the stained glass. Scenes of the crossing of the Red Sea and Old Testament figures like Abraham Isaac and Moses are featured. This blend of local and global figures creates a rich tapestry of faith.
Funding for this magnificent Shrine of Mary Help of Christians came from across the globe. Pope Benedict XVI even donated a tabernacle for the lower floor Eucharistic chapel. The electronically worked bells are a gift from Italy. The building also accommodates pilgrims with rooms offices and a small dormitory.
Father Valeriano Barbero a long-serving Salesian missionary was the driving force behind this project. His dedication ensured the building’s completion after four years of accident-free work. The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment.
The Shrine of Mary Help of Christians is much more than a place of worship. It is a vibrant centre of faith. It is a place where the past present and future intertwine. It is a beacon of hope for the people of Papua New Guinea. This is the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians.