Sr. Shanty: ‘My mission in Papua New Guinea awaiting Francis'
The testimony of an Indian religious of the Missionaries of the Immaculate from the first country in Oceania that will welcome the Pope in a week's time. Life on the most remote islands, the hand of God in trials and dangers, the challenge of truly bringing the Gospel inside traditional cultures, the need for new missionaries. ‘Living here has filled me with immense joy: the simple people here have inspired me, showing me the beauty of humility and the joy of daily life.’
Port Moresby (AsiaNews) - In the long apostolic journey that Pope Francis is about to begin in a few days, for the first time in his pontificate he will also make a stop in Oceania, visiting from 6 to 9 September Papua New Guinea, with its 600 islands scattered in the Pacific Ocean close to Indonesia and an arm's length from Australia. What does it mean today to live being a missionary in the middle of the Ocean? Shanty Jospeh, an Indian nun of the Missionaries of the Immaculate, who has been living her apostolic service in this country for fifteen years, tells AsiaNews.
The mission has always been something to value and cherish for a lifetime. From the moment I began my formation as a religious, there was a deep, persistent yearning to embark on a mission. This cherished dream became a reality when I set foot in Papua New Guinea in December 2009.As I landed in this country, with its diverse cultures, rich heritage, rugged mountains, lush greenery and pristine beaches, it felt like a homecoming, reminiscent of my own hometown.
The Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate (MSI) established our presence in Papua New Guinea in 1988, starting in Watuluma, a small place on Goodenough Island where the mission is run by PIME priests. Since then, our mission has expanded across five dioceses, growing significantly with God’s blessings. Many local vocations have flourished, and our young sisters are now serving in overseas missions.
Reflecting on my life, I feel as though I’ve undergone a kind of rebirth immersed in a different culture, yet finding roots within it. I often wonder where the strength to be a missionary comes from, but I firmly believe that when we say "Yes" to God, He works miracles. It was a clarion call from the Lord that led me to this paradise on earth.
Currently, I reside in Port Moresby, but my fifteen years in this land have been marked by a mosaic of diverse experiences both exhilarating and challenging. My journey began in Watuluma on Goodenough Island, Milne Bay Province, where I taught at a secondary school run by our sisters. This remote area, lacking basic necessities like communication, roads, and transportation, was accessible only by sea. Students from far-off islands lived in the boarding school, and it was a privilege to share in their youthful enthusiasm, their joys, and their struggles. The warmth and love of the local people helped me adapt to their culture, and today, I consider myself Papuan in lifestyle, though Indian by birth.
Life on the island was simple yet fascinating, though not without its challenges. The island, was isolated, and reaching the nearest town required a two-day boat journey through rough seas. I’ve faced the dangers of the sea and encounters with pirates, but in every challenge, I experienced God’s unseen hand guiding me. Communication was another significant challenge in the early days I longed to hear the voices of my dear ones back home, especially during moments of uncertainty, but I trusted in God, who provided me with the strength to keep going.
One of the most striking aspects of this culture is the strong sense of sharing, supported by the Wantok system, which fosters a deep bond among those who share the same language.
After eight years on the island, I was transferred to Kerema (Araimiri), a place with limited access to education and basic needs, where the Salesians run a mission. Teaching in this remote area allowed me to connect deeply with the unassuming people, free from the hustle and bustle of modern life. I treasure the time spent with students, teachers, and the community, where every day was a lesson in humility, patience, and perseverance. The students here are innovative, supportive, and eager to learn, with dreams of a brighter future. One must expect the unexpected in this land, but with faith and trust in God, I have found the strength to face each new day.
In a country where 87% of the population lives in rural areas with minimal facilities, daily survival is a true test of endurance. The challenges we face here are immense. Health facilities are severely lacking, leading to high mortality rates among mothers and infants during childbirth, with many areas having no access to clinics at all. People often have to walk for hours to reach the nearest clinic for medication, with some collapsing on the way due to the strenuous journey. Another significant challenge is the lack of communication in remote areas, with no access to networks or roads. Students sometimes walk for a week just to reach their schools.
In the mission, I felt like an infant—learning to toddle, observe, and adapt to new customs and cultures. Appreciating the goodness in the local culture enabled me to embrace the people and place with love. Mission life taught me to be a jack-of-all-trades a teacher, pastor, technician, cook, sweeper, mentor, counselor etc. It also taught me patience, as the unpredictable nature of life here requires constant readiness for anything, whether it’s an attack by rascals, a canceled flight, a roadblock, or threats from sea pirates. These challenges have made me stronger, deepening my faith in God’s unseen hand in my life.
Though the mission field is vast, the laborers are few. Despite Christianity being prevalent, we need more missionaries to spread the love of Jesus. Many missionaries from India and around the world serve in remote and challenging parts of Papua New Guinea, driven by the hopes and dreams of the people they serve.
In a society where strong cultural and traditional beliefs prevail, missionaries face the challenge of strengthening the people's Christian faith, especially in times of sickness and calamities. We prepare the faithful for various sacraments, visit families and prisons to catechize, and provide faith formation to children, youth, and mothers, teaching religious education in schools. Missionaries often take on the challenge of reaching the most remote places, walking miles to be with the people. Our hope for the future is to reach out to the peripheries, bringing Christ's values to those in need—but we need many more missionaries to fulfill this mission.
My mission in Papua New Guinea has filled me with immense joy and taught me to take life as it comes, embracing patience amid challenges. The simple people here have inspired me, showing me the beauty of humility and the joy found in daily life. Throughout my mission, I have experienced God’s providence protecting me from all dangers and guiding me through every storm.
One of the strengths of this country is its youth, who make up over 60% of the population. With the support of PNG government, many youths are sent abroad in India and other countries for higher education. I hope and pray that more vocations will emerge from Papua New Guinea, that more children will have access to education, and that the country will progress with good governance and evangelization.
Psalm 91:11 has profoundly impacted my life: “God will put His angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go.” I have experienced this protection time and again in the mission field.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve here, and I firmly believe that God never tests us beyond our capabilities. With unwavering hope, trust, and perseverance, we can overcome any challenge. Never stop hoping, trusting, and trying.
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