Goroka – On 31 July 2026, the feast of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Canossian Family joyfully celebrated the canonical erection of its second community in Papua New Guinea, in Goroka. It was a grace-filled coincidence that this milestone took place on the liturgical feast of the saint who continues to inspire us to discern according to the heart of God and to respond generously to his call.
The celebration began with the Eucharist presided over by His Excellency Bishop Valentine Gryk, Bishop of the Diocese of Goroka. During the liturgy, the Provincial Superior, Sister Estrella Vaquez, read the Decree of Ratification, entrusting the new community with the mission of caring for the Kefamo Conference Centre and serving at St Joseph Vocational School.
The discernment process for the erection of this community began in September 2025, when Bishop Valentine Gryk of Goroka met the Canossian Sisters of the Port Moresby community and invited them to establish themselves in his diocese, given the vastness of the territory and the urgent pastoral needs of the population. Following the formal request submitted by the Bishop in October of the same year and an initial assessment visit carried out by the Provincial Superior and a fellow Sister in December 2025, the decision was made to respond positively to his request.
Situated in the Eastern Highlands, the diocese is characterised by a largely rural population, numerous young families and a shortage of priests, religious and pastoral facilities. It faces significant challenges in the areas of education, youth formation, accompaniment of families and assistance to more isolated communities. In this context, the Canossian Sisters are called to care for the Kefamo Conference Centre, serve at St Joseph Vocational School and the House of Prayer, and contribute to the formation of catechists, lay leaders and pastoral workers at the diocesan Pastoral Centre.
In the afternoon, during a paraliturgical celebration, Sister Leonora Santiago was appointed Superior of the community. She will be joined by Sister Efrenita Morata, who will teach at St Joseph Vocational School, and Sister Yulita Nggua, from Indonesia, who will serve at the House of Prayer.
The day concluded with a warm welcome from Bishop Valentine Gryk, the priests and the religious Sisters, followed by an evening meal. Everyone felt like one community of faith, bearing witness to the spirit of communion accompanying this new mission.
The canonical erection of the Goroka community represents a renewed ‘yes’ to God’s call to serve where the Gospel is most needed. Through the intercession of the Foundress, Saint Magdalene of Canossa, and following the example of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, let us pray that this new foundation may become a living witness to God’s love, bringing hope, formation and compassionate service to the people of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.
