New Year Greetings from DoBT

Dear Supporters,

As we welcome the New Year, I would like to share some updates from the Diocese of Banks and Torres (DoBT).

A Year of Progress and Challenges

Last year was a significant one for me as I settled into my role as the new Bishop. I travelled extensively across the diocese, visiting priests and their communities. During these visits, I identified three places in urgent need of new primary schools. Currently, children as young as seven must walk several kilometres to attend school. Our plan is to establish three feeder schools for children in classes 1 to 4, allowing them to attend school closer to home. Once they reach class 5, they will be better prepared to travel longer distances. In some cases, children in classes 5 and 6 will need to board with relatives in villages with schools. It is heartbreaking to see some of our clergy working in villages where there are no schools for their children. Education has become our second priority, and we are committed to providing basic education to these unfortunate children. The Torba Provincial office has agreed to supply teaching materials, and we will seek further assistance as we progress.

Milestones and Losses

Last year, we consecrated two new church buildings and confirmed over 300 children and adults, including some over 50 years of age. We also ordained three new priests, each of whom completed two years of training as catechists followed by three years of theological training, graduating with diplomas in theology.

However, we also faced sorrowful moments. In December, we lost two beloved priests: Rev. Albert Simeon, district priest of Lokon District, and Rev. Crimson Lilip, assistant parish priest at Tagabe Parish in Port Vila. Rev. Crimson passed away from a heart attack shortly after the earthquake on December 17th. His loss, along with Rev. Albert’s, has been deeply felt by all of us.

Looking Ahead

Despite these challenges, we have already seen positive developments this year, with one ordination and 28 children confirmed. I am planning visits to the isolated Merelava and Torres islands, though travel has become more difficult due to the liquidation of Air Vanuatu.

In a heartening display of solidarity, the MV Southern Cross recently collected food from four ports in my Diocese to assist earthquake victims in Port Vila. I am incredibly proud and grateful that, despite our own challenges, we can support our brothers and sisters in need.

Gratitude and Hope

We continue to pray for you and the invaluable work you do to help us spread the word of God through both word and action. I look forward to strengthening our collaboration between DoBT and MMUK this year and beyond.

May God continue to bless us all.

In God’s service,

Bishop Anthony Ling
Bishop of Banks and Torres