2 days Ago By postcourieronline
The head of the Catholic Church in Enga Province, Bishop Arnold Orowae, passed away on Friday at the Wabag General Hospital. The Catholic Church in Enga Province is the largest church, with more than 70 per cent of the total population, reaching throughout the length and breadth of the entire province. The late Bishop Orowae is from the Kunalin tribe of Ambum valley in Kompiam Ambum District.
Born on June 15, 1955, in Aiopa village at Tsikiro, Bishop Orowae was the pioneer Enga Catholic priest since the first missionaries arrived in Enga in 1947. His journey was one of devotion, humility, and unwavering commitment to the service of God and His people. Bishop Orowae was ordained as a local priest on December 14, 1983, marking the beginning of a remarkable 41-year journey in the priesthood.
His deep faith and dedication to his calling led him to be appointed as the Auxiliary Bishop of Wabag and the Titular Bishop of Gisipa on December 14, 1999. Just a few months later, on March 4, 2000, he was ordained as a bishop at the Showground in Wabag, a testament to his steadfast commitment to the spiritual growth and development of our community. On October 19, 2004, Bishop Orowae was appointed as the Coadjutor Bishop of Wabag, and on June 30, 2008, he succeeded as the Bishop of Wabag.
For over 24 years, he faithfully served as a bishop, guiding his flock with wisdom, compassion, and love. His leadership extended beyond the Catholic church, impacting education and healthcare in remote areas, and championing projects that improved the lives of countless individuals. Bishop Orowae’s tenure was marked by his participation in the Ad Limina visits in June 2005 and June 2012, where he represented our diocese with dignity and grace.
His efforts in developing the church in Enga Province have left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. He was not just a spiritual leader, but a mentor, a friend, and a role model to all who knew him. On December 27, 2024, Bishop Orowae passed away at Wabag General Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and compassion.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the profound impact he had on our community. Bishop Orowae’s consecration was overseen by Principal Consecrator Bishop Hermann Raich, S.V.
D., and Principal Co-Consecrators Archbishop Michael Meier, S.V.
D., and Bishop Stephen Joseph Reichert, O.F.
M. Cap. On May 13, 2014, the Catholic Bishop’s Bishops of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands elected Bishop Arnold Orowae of Wabag as its new president where the Kunalin tribeman serve the People of PNG and Solomons with humility.
His funeral program includes: On January 2, 2025, the Body of Late Bishop Arnold depart from Hagen Funeral and will rest at Sangurap Cathedral, Wabag. On January 3, 2025, Haus Cry at Sangurap Catholi Mission and in the afternoon, the Body depart to Par Parish to overnight there for a Funeral mass on Saturday. Finally on January 4, 2025, there will be a Funeral Mass at 10am where Bishop Arnold will be laid to eternal rest at the diocesan cemetery at St Martin de Porres parish.
.
