2 weeks Ago By postcourieronline
On a cloud-covered morning, amidst the gathering of excited Catholic faithful and invited guests, the St Joseph Freinademetz Chapel — one of the oldest and most historical landmarks in the Divine Word University Madang Campus — was officially dedicated following a comprehensive renovation. The ceremony, which drew a crowd of Divine Word University staff and their families, students and nearby communities, marked a new chapter in the life of the chapel that has been at the heart of the university’s history for over four decades. Nestled between the Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS) convent and the chaplain’s residence, the chapel has served multiple roles throughout its history.
Originally constructed in 1974, the building has stood as a symbol of the university’s faith and spirituality, welcoming both Catholics and believers from other denominations to seek spiritual intervention. Over the years, however, it fell into disrepair. The decision to restore the chapel was driven by the DWU Pastoral Care team and administration, who saw it as a crucial piece of the university’s historical heritage.
The project which took a year to complete, represents a blend of modern design and a deep respect for the past. The revitalisation effort not only preserved the Chapel’s architectural charm but also aimed to revitalise the surrounding neighbourhood, injecting new life into the chapel. The chapel’s renovation was an undertaking of monumental scope, requiring both technical expertise and artistic vision.
Spearheaded by Sam Penias Architect, the project sought to preserve the chapel’s original style, including the iconic distinctive shell-shaped roof that had weathered more than four decades of tropical weather. Inside however, the space underwent a complete transformation, bringing it into the 21st century, while honouring its original roots. “Restoring a building like the chapel is as much about respecting the past as it is about planning for the future,” DWU Chaplain Fr Vincent said.
“We wanted to keep the sanctity of chapel intact with that spiritual ambience to cater for the needs of the university.” One of the major challenges during the renovations was addressing the structural issues caused by years of wear. The roof of the chapel had suffered damage, and the original foundation had settled unevenly over the years.
The construction team had to keep as much of the original structure as possible. Modern engineering techniques such as steel reinforcement and foundation underpinning, were used to stabilise the structure while minimising disruption to the historic elements. The interior was reimagined with an eye toward versatility.
The floor space that once housed a small number of Catholic faithful was transformed into an open and expanded room with excellent lighting coming through the windows that reflect off the white walls. The brown varnished Kwila-made pews complement the brown pillars, window frames and high ceilings that add a vibrant blend against the light-coloured walls and tiles. The sacristy was relocated to the back of the chapel and a part of it houses the audio and technical room.
New white audio speakers are flushed against the pillars within and outside the building for better audio reach. A new smart television was installed for the choir to use and perhaps the most impressive feature are the two glass panes located on the wall above the crucifix. The artwork on one of the windows portrays a bible with the words inscribed “In the beginning was the Word”, and the other portrays a dove with flames that firstly symbolises the Divine Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
The designs also represent the founders of the university the Divine Word (SVD) missionaries and the Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS). The dedication of the St Joseph Freinademetz Chapel was not just a celebration of its new life; it also represented a broader vision for the university’s revitalisation. Over the past decade, the community has seen an increase in population and enrolment of students at the university.
The chapel is seen as a resurgence of sorts for the entire university. With the population increase of members of the Catholic community in the campus area, the structure is seen fit to host large masses for the university events such as graduations and missioning Masses. A dedication Mass was held to commemorate the opening of the renovated Chapel on Sunday 3rd November 2024 at which Chair of the DWU Council Archbishop Douglas Young was the main celebrant.
“I would like to congratulate all those who have been involved with the Chapel project,” Archbishop Young said, while expressing his appreciation to various parties who contributed to the renovations of the Chapel. “It is the spirit of self-reliance, the spirit of teamwork, and the hard work that has brought us back to our home, back to our heart,” he said. The chapel’s dedication ceremony featured the handing over of the keys to the building by the Gold Bell Construction Limited Managing Director Richard Villegas to Archbishop Young, who proceeded to unlock the front door and opened it to welcome the crowd inside.
Among the attendees was Leah Margis, DWU Alumnus and DHERST representative, who echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Young that the chapel is the heart of the university physically, spiritually and intellectually. She spoke of how the chapel became a beacon of light for them during the Airlines PNG plane crash in October 2011. With its dedication, the chapel now stands as a symbol of hope and new life, bridging the past with the future.
It has breathed a new life into the university with its striking features. Where once stood a small building sheltered under the branches of the raintree, now stands a notable structure one cannot miss. As the dedication Mass ended, attendees spilled out into the churchyard to end the celebrations, with a cake-cutting ceremony followed by entertainment by the DWU university students and the community.
“I am so proud to see this building come to life,” Barbara Tseraha, member of the Pastoral team said. “It’s a testament to the resilience of this community, stakeholders and alumni. .
” In the end the dedication was not just about a building or the renovations, it was about community, history and the future of the university itself. It serves as a reminder that while change is imminent, there is value in preserving the landmarks that tell the story of where we’ve come from and where we are going..
