17/02/2011

New Archbishop of Madang, Bishop Steven Reichert serving Holy Communion to Diploma in Eye Care student, Scholar Kapau, a nurse from Mendi General Hospital during the Mass to mark the opening of the Academic Year at DWU last Friday 11th February, 2011. Coincidentally, Mrs Kapau received the Communion from her former Bishop of the Mendi Diocese who served the church there for 40 years, the last 16 as bishop.

Staff Gerard Tommy (foreground) with students attending the Mass at the St Joseph Freinademetz Chapel of DWU.

Divine Word University (DWU) is giving more emphasis on Pastoral Care of its students in the 2011 academic year that was launched last Friday, 11 February, 2011.
The University president Fr Jan Czuba announced the renewed focus on the spiritual nurturing of students when launching the academic year at the SVD Memorial Auditorium of the Madang campus.

“DWU’s commitment to Pastoral Care is part of the ethos of the University and involves the entire DWU Community,” Fr Czuba said.

“We would like to offer all our students the care and support they need to feel secure and to be successful in their studies.”
“Students will be encouraged to seek support and advice whenever they need it,” he added.
Fr Czuba said the focus on Pastoral Care is among various new developments and projects at the University in 2011.

Fr Czuba’s opening address followed a special church service conducted by the new Catholic Archbishop of Madang, Steven Reichert at the St Joseph Freinademetz Chapel of DWU.
Archbishop Reichert and a team of priests associated with DWU blessed and prayed for the well-being of the students and staff. Archbishop Reichert said with God’s guidance the students and staff can fulfill their aims and lead good lives.
The Bishop also called on the congregation to remember and pray for the sick as last Friday was the special day in the Catholic calendar to offers prayers for those who are not physically well.

In the homily (or sermon) delivered by the University’s Vice president, Br Andrew Simpson, the DWU community was challenged to live up to the institution’s motto of Sic Currite de Comprehendatis (or Run to Win), which is a message in Latin sourced from St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians.

Br Simpson said St Paul’s challenge of running to win was not a quest for ruthless and selfish competition, but one that is courteous and for the good of all.