Priestly Ordination of Fr Joseph Wojem

Above you can see traditional dancers from Walis Island, East Sepik Province, celebrating outside Christ the King Cathedral, Wewak, where Fr Joseph was ordained on Saturday, 21st February, 2015, by Archbishop Stephen Reichert, OFMCap, who is currently Apostolic Administrator of Wewak.  In the gallery below are more pictures of this happy occasion.  Fr Joseph's first Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Walis Island on Tuesday.

Br Joseph before ordination, with hs family and wearing the "bilas" of his clan, which he put off upon being ordained.

Deacon Henry Natowosi OP reading the Holy Gospel.

Br Joseph is escorted to the bishop by his mother, Mrs Barbara Wojem.

A colourful escort accompanied Br Joseph to the bishop.

The Archbishop greets the ordinand's mother, Barbara.

The Presbyterate.

Pipel bilong God.

Yu promis, bai yu harim na bihainim ol tok bilong bisop bilong daiosis, na bilong ol bikman bilong ol lain pater bilong yu?

Prostration during the Litany of the Saints.

Archbishop Stephen about to lay hands on Fr Joseph.

Bishop-Elect Joseph lays hands on Fr Joseph.

Dominican superior Fr Martin lays hands on Fr Joseph.

Papa, yu strong olgeta, mipela i askim yu long givim namba wan wok pris long dispela wokman bilong yu. Givim nupela strong bilong Holi Spirit insait long bel bilong em, bai em kamap holi...

Mekim em i kisim dispela wok pris olsem namba tu bilong bisop, long han bilong yu, God Papa ...

Fr Joseph is clothed in the chasuble

Anointing the newly-ordained priest's hands with Chrism.

Handing over the "instruments" of priestly service: chalice and paten.

Peace!

Fr Kevin Dance CP greets Fr Joseph.

Receiving the gifts of the faithful.

Receiving the gifts.

The elevation of the Sacred Host.

Distributing Holy Communion.

Namba tu bilong bisop!

Traditional dancers celebrate...

... and pose!

Sisters at the kai kai, taking advantage of the shade!

Kai kai i redi!

Fr Martin wecomed to Wewak by an escort.

Part of the traditional welcome: a washing with scented water and aromatic leaves!