A Manus priest goes on a fundraising journey around the country for the celebration of his silver jubilee.

Fr. Clement Taulam of Bipi Island in the Manus Province, arrived in Aitape on Monday 7th June, to visit family and also friends from different religious houses to talk to them about his fundraising journey in preparation for the celebration of his silver jubilee next year, 2005.

Fr. Clement had started his journey earlier this year in May, firstly going to New Ireland where he met up with his sister who will be the key person in the overall organising of this special event.

Then he traveled on to Rabaul, then to Port Moresby and then to Aitape. In all these places he talked to alot of people to help with fundraising. Many from the Manus community, especially those from Bipi Island were very excited and have already informed Fr. Clement that they would also be looking forward to be a part of the celebrations with him. Those who he had spoken too were from the Bipi Community, family members, relatives, parish communities and also friends both from the religious community and others.

With him he also carried invitations, which he gave inviting all those he had talked too.

Fr. Clement also told Aitape Star that the approximate number of people expected to attend the celebration would be about 8000 people, those from Manus and around the country.

After leaving Aitape, he will then travel onto Wewak, Madang and Lae before returning back to Manus. He will then be doing a second journey again in October to finalise all the arrangements and also secure funds collected from the various fundraising that have been conducted.