Giorgio Licini News

22/10/2024

https://www.avvenire.it/rubriche/pagine/i-campi-di-detenzione-follia-in-mezzo-all-oceano

I campi di detenzione follia in mezzo all’oceano

16/10/2024

NATION BUILDING AFTER THE VISIT OF POPE FRANCIS
Fr. Giorgio Licini
Catholic Reporter PNG - Oct 2024

Pope Francis opened his visit to Papua New Guinea on 7th September with an Address to the Authorities, Representatives of Civil Society and the Diplomatic Corps at the APEC House in Port Moresby.
He first acknowledged the diversity of our country in terms of ethnicity and languages. National unity is never to be taken for granted. It can collapse at any time with competing interests and ambitions emerging outside a general plan supported by “stability of institutions” with a “long-term vision and a climate of cooperation among all”.
The handling of natural resources “destined by God for the entire community” is crucial. It is the sharing of wealth that makes the national consensus stand or fall. Unless people feel part of the benefits and are treated fairly, they will rebel against the authorities and the entire national community. The tragic events in Bougainville about three decades ago are proof of that need for recognition which lives in everyone’s heart.
Defeating greed and self-interest (corruption) is the prerequisite for national development. What must follow is stability and strengthening of institutions, upgrading of infrastructures, education. Otherwise, economic stagnation, persistent poverty and people’s mistrust in the national leadership will continue to plague Papua New Guinea.
All the above should be taken up at the same time. But it is certainly education the key factor. And not only in view of better skills and employment opportunities, but to develop a personal and independent understanding and judgement of facts, responsible political choices, more fruitful social relationships and exchanges. True that at the end one may not need to move anywhere, but an educated farmer and village resident will always be preferable to an uneducated one.
Human development builds the person and society. Spiritual values “infuse a soul - according to Pope Francis – and inspire and strengthen every project”. “A people that prays has a future - he also said – drawing strength and hope from above”. A genuine life of faith is not a palliative cure or a numbing remedy for problems, failure and impotence. It is rather a challenge to personal commitment, the voice of conscience that calls out for the most honest and active life of service, creativity and sacrifice.
From that point of view, Papua New Guinea is privileged, thanks to its rich ancestral heritage and the subsequent gift of Christianity. It needs to be a mature and intelligent Christianity, however, to effectively contribute to nation building. Education and knowledge develop the mind, increase and foster critical thinking, help people of faith avoid the risks and excesses of fundamentalism or pure devotionalism. Both are wrong human attitudes which alienate the person from reality, breeding in their way sectarianism and division.
After fifty years of independence things do not look too good for Papua New Guinea. The elites are larger in size but less educated. The positive influence of the clergy has almost entirely vanished. The population grows in number but enjoys lower quality and quantity of services. Communications by sea and air to remote areas have contracted and at times disappeared. A vision and a strategy for the country are badly needed before the military and bureaucracy of our friends down under are again in the streets of Port Moresby; to understandably prevent the danger and the nightmare of a failed state at their doorsteps.

05/09/2024

Famiglia Cristiana ora in edicola

08/08/2024

10 AUGUST: A DAY AGAINST SORCERY VIOLENCE
Catholic Reporter PNG - August 2024

Fr. Giorgio Licini

The World Day against Witchcraft and Sorcery Accusation returns since 2020 on the 10th of August. This year is a Saturday, which should make it easier to mobilize people for a local rally, a time of reflection, a prayer or a special Mass for the Catholic parishes and communities.

Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) remains widespread in at least forty-four countries in the world, and it’s worsening in Melanesia. In the Enga province of Papua New Guinea, Wabag auxiliary bishop Justin Ain repeatedly tells people that the horrifying torturing and burning of women was not practiced by past generations. It is not part of local culture. How did it start? And how can it be halted?

It seems that law enforcement and police action can not provide the solution. Not enough personnel and means to keep vast areas of rough terrain under control. No sufficient determination by officers caught up in the same cultural and psychological mishap. Fear of reprisal from villagers by whomever reports and tries to curb the unjustified and blind violence.

The remedy to such disorder can only be found in educational and spiritual means by working directly with the communities. In other words, take care of the (potential) perpetrators before they harm the victims. In the diocese of Wabag now small teams visit the villages and talk directly to the people. One of the first steps is probably to make basically illiterate communities aware of the natural causes of death and common ailments that may easily take the life even of young people, such as asthma and tuberculosis. Then there is diabetes, high blood pressure causing heart failure and stroke, respiratory issues and infections of all sorts. It is not somebody causing death, except in the blunt and evident case of murder, but something from inside or outside the body.

The belief in occult practices or the pretence of control over them will diminish with the increase of knowledge and understanding of the way nature works. That will also help in dominating the feelings of loss, despair and outrage at the death of loved ones. Revenge over innocent people cannot be an acceptable answer. It is totally unjust and unjustified.

Even deeper than that is a journey of conversation and faith that can turn the page. Open the Bible, especially the New Testament, and read how Jesus healed and resurrected people. He consoled and embraced them. He forgave those who unfairly treated and eventually killed him. He prevailed over death by attributing a redeeming meaning to it. To Peter who saw what was coming in the last hours and could grab a sword, he ordered to put it aside. An attitude and a decision for prayer at the passing of a friend or a family member is the best alternative and antidote to uncontrollable feelings and primitive witch hunts.

Never forget that you will always have to call a murder a murder. It’s a mortal sin. Bishop Donald Lippert of Mendi warns Catholics that, “People who participate in sorcery related violence in any way, from contributing to hiring a glassman (or mambuman, etc.), to joining in the accusations, to being present for the hideous spectacle, or simply remaining silent, are themselves guilty of mortal sin. They must not approach the Holy Altar to receive Holy Communion until they have repented of these crimes against God and against humanity and received Sacramental absolution. If they die before doing this, they will not enter the Kingdom of God. They will not go to heaven. Our people need to know this.”

14/06/2024

THE CHRISTIAN BILL IS GONE, THE QUEST FOR NATIONAL IDENTITY REMAINS

Giorgio Licini
Catholic Reporter PNG - June 2024

The Parliament of Papua New Guinea rejected on 29 May 2024 the government proposal to amend the Constitution and change the nature of the State from secular, as established at Independence in 1975, to confessional by renaming it the “Independent and Christian State of Papua New Guinea”. ( #4.1.1)
Now we are left with what is really needed and sensible: prove our Christian faith not by means of a Constitutional declaration but by our way of life and works of charity and justice. This will include, among others, respect for people and the environment, end of evils such as tribal fights, sorcery related violence and domestic mistreatment, strict marital fidelity and a monogamous Christian marriage, end of cheating and vote buying in elections, no more political camps in expensive hotels when common people can’t afford biscuits and tinned fish, teachers less absent in schools, pastors and priests more mindful of their people, more crowded churches on Saturdays and Sundays, a life of prayer, etc.
In the words of Dr. John Momis, who played a pivotal role in the drafting of the basic national law fifty years ago, “The PNG Constitution is not a theological document, but a political document. In its current form, the Constitution already honors Christian principles in two ways: First, they are mentioned as such in the opening lines of the Preamble, where they are paired with the “noble traditions” of the Melanesian peoples as what we pledge ourselves to guard and pass on... Second, Christian principles thoroughly animate the rest of the Constitution, where they are expressed using proper political language – language, which is available to everyone, regardless of creed, simply as a human being. This is evident especially in the National Goals and Directive Principles, as well as in the existing Basic Rights and Basic Social Obligations, which together form the balance of the Preamble”.
Those who have already witnessed their country develop will tell you that a sound religious perspective indeed plays a role, but then it’s mainly a matter of dedication by the leadership and hard work and discipline by the citizens. Slogans such as “Take back PNG” or “Make PNG the Richest Black Christian Nation in the World” are only words if not accompanied by sacrifices and improved social behavior. Exactly like death penalty does not eliminate criminality and its causes, or mass distribution of artificial contraceptives does not solve population increase, or the institution of an Independent Commission Against Corruption will only address a few high-profile cases every year but not change the toxic culture in government departments.
Good that the so-called “Christian bill” is gone. The idea of a confessionals State is obsolete and even dangerous when offered on a silver plate to fundamentalist, shortsighted and poorly educated ministers and preachers such as those frequently pestering and festering the ears of Papua New Guineans. A problem of national identity, however, remains following the decline of the traditional Melanesian culture and values. In that sense a mature, intelligent and independent Christian approach can indeed help and save the social fabric and the cohesion of the State. A government, however, needs no appeasement but checks and balances, kicks in the shins if needed. Democracy only develops from below, is not granted from above. The State and the Churches work together for the good of the same people. But maintain the respective independence and do not pursue anachronistic perspectives such as that of a confessional State and the alliance of throne and altar.

28/05/2024

HUNDREDS PERISH IN MASSIVE LANDSLIDE IN ENGA, PNG
First report form the diocese of Wabag

Approximately 3950 people were residing at the village of Kaokalam up in the mountain, Ward 7 Yambali – Mulitaka, Kasap Parish, Lagaip deanery in Catholic diocese of Wabag, Porgera district, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea.
We could reach the disaster affected area by road two and half hours from the Wabag diocese headquarters. Total population is around 3950. More than 1500 people likely impacted in the flattened village of Kaokalam on Friday 24.05.2024 at 3.00am local time. According to the survivors and local community members 178 people and more than 255 houses were buried, five families totally wiped out and for about 250 families some members escaped and some died. So far local people found 4 dead bodies and one leg of a man. People from Panges clan belonging to the Kipul tribe are affected by this disaster. More homes could be at risk if the landslide continues down the mountain at any time because the nearby mountains have also cracked.
1322 survivors from 250 families need immediate assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, medical assistance, temporary shelters, water, blankets, mats, sanitary items and other household items, cooking utensils and later other assistance like garden tools, seedlings, permanent houses, classrooms, health centers, water facilities, sanitation, churches, etc. for resettling and rehabilitation.
As Wabag diocese we responded quickly; in terms of food to the people directly affected by the disaster. We also provided medical supplies to the minor injured people and major injured people; we brought them to our health centers and Wabag hospital and they are under medication. The landslide has left debris up to eight meters high across a large area, cutting off road access, which was making relief efforts difficult; but people of good will helped us to reach the spot with our supplies of food and medicines.
Initial estimated death were 100 people and now the figure has increased to around 178 and may even go higher if they find the bodies. We suspect that it’s not only a massive landslide but also an earthquake because of the big creaks form the rocky mountains down to the nearby river as you can see in the pictures.
Thank you very much for the condolence messages, stand with us in solidarity, heartfelt concern being with us in your prayers and blessings.
Any assistance to 1322 survivors from 250 families is welcome.

Catholic Diocese of Wabag, Enga Province, Papua New Guinea:
Bp. Arnold Orowae, Bp. Justin Ain, Sr. John Mary, Sr. Amutha, Fr. Stephen Yange and Wabag Diocese Caritas team

For your contact:
Sr. John Mary, FIHM
Secretary and Project Manageress
Catholic Diocese of Wabag
P.O. Box 191, Enga Province 291, Wabag
Papua New Guinea
E-mail: [email protected]
Whatsapp contact: +675 72491 828
Local contact in PNG: (+675) 7335 3088

22/03/2024

PAPUA NEW GUINEA A CONFESSIONAL STATE?
Catholic Reporter PNG - March 2024 (revised)

Fr. Giorgio Licini

The move to declare Papua New Guinea a Christian Country and a Christian State appears commendable only at first glance. With the first amendment (here in brackets) the Preamble of the Constitution will open with the words,
We, the People of Papua New Guinea,
• united in one nation [acknowledge and declare God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as our Creator and the Sustainer of the entire universe and the source of our Powers and Authorities, delegated to the people and all persons within the geographical jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea];
Along with other smaller amendments also in the Preamble, in the Fifth Goal, in the Basic Social Obligations, in Section 1 and Section 3, this effectively turns Papua New Guinea into a confessional State. “A confessional State is a State which officially recognizes and practices a particular religion, usually accompanied by a public cult, and at least encourages its citizens to do likewise” (Wikipedia).
In the past, confessional States were common in the Christian world, always endorsing a particular Christian denomination and Church: Catholic (Italy, Spain, Austria, etc.), Anglican (England), Orthodox (Russia). There are now very few surviving Christian confessional States with some, like England (where the King is the Head of the Church), practically embracing full religious pluralism. There are also several Muslim confessional States, especially in the Middle East, or Buddhist like Thailand, or Jewish like Israel. Opposite to that, some countries, like China, promote an atheistic identity of the State with strong limitations on faith communities and some particular religious tenets (the authority and role of the Pope in religious matters, for example, in regard to the Catholic Church).
The confessional State normally extends a larger or smaller degree of freedom to other religious communities or Churches present, active or trying to come within its borders. So, Christianity, like any other religion, is totally prohibited in Saudi Arabia but allowed in Thailand or Israel; and similar situations occur in other countries with a State religion. What is common among all, however, is that normally the highest positions of the State are precluded to the citizens members of religious minorities. The confessional State effectively establishes a group of second-class citizens by excluding them from the top political and administrative responsibilities, particularly that of Head of State (Governor General in the case of PNG), prime minister, commander in chief of the armed forces, chief justice, etc. The Muslim countries are quite rigid about this. The Christian confessional States are generally more flexible but have their own red lines. In the case of Israel, never will a non-Jewish person assume a State position.
The proposed changes in the PNG Constitution leave two big questions open. First. In a confessional PNG, will a non-Christian still be allowed to run for provincial governor, be elected Speaker of the House, possibly become Prime Minister or Governor General? Or will all these and possibly other positions be restricted to “Christians” alone? Second. With such amendments the State allows itself to define the concept of “Christian” and “Christianity”, possibly including or excluding beliefs, practices, books, groups, churches and promoting its own initiatives.
A clear example of a first confessional State practice in PNG was the signing of what is called a New Covenant, “Between the God of Israel, Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit and the People of Papua New Guinea” by then Prime Minister Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare on 26 August 2007 at the Sione Kami Memorial Church in Boroko, NCD. This was followed in 2011, under Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, by the institution of a Day of Repentance on the same date of the 26th of August every year. These were government initiatives, probably resulting from lobbying by particular groups, touching on the moral and religious sphere of the citizens, not necessarily negative, but established independently from institutional Church and religion.
Such role by the State should be carefully pondered and probably excluded. In Papua New Guinea dozens of versions of Christianity are active. Common celebrations and practices are to be treasured. But particular and individual choices must also be guaranteed. The Constitution is not only about what a nation wants to be, but also about what it wants to avoid and prevent down the line.
We remain of the opinion that the PNG Constitution is good as it has been since 1975 with its Melanesian values and perspectives expressed in the National Goals and Directive Principles. Should it be transformed into the Constitution of a confessional State, the discrimination of non-Christian citizens or even citizens whose Christianity differs from that of the ruling government is likely to occur. The proposed Constitutional amendments in Papua New Guinea open the doors to the government and the State to decide which particular version of Christianity is proper for PNG; something that runs against Sec 45.3 of the Constitution. The transformation of a secular State into a confessional one only comes as a result of an alteration rather than an amendment of the Constitution.

22 March 2024

19/02/2024

Now the government of AUSTRALIA doesn't even allow you to know who really corresponds with you. Only an unreadable signature.

19/02/2024

19/02/2024