In 1986 at Yemnu a young Fr. Greg Bourke baptized the third child of his teacher Ignas Wunge. The little girl was named Alexia. Thirty six years later, Fr. Greg was the celebrant of the Mass for her final profession as a Presentation Sister. Sadly, the parish priest, Fr. Gaetano, had suffered a stroke and was too sick in Aitape. He had greatly suppported Alexia in her vocation.
The previous day Frs. Greg and Dominic Numbanoko spent many hours hearing confessions. Unlike most parishes the bulk of the penitents were men.
The profession ceremony was held on the soccer field and built by Fr. Gaetano.
The Presentation Sisters came across from Ningil and the Franciscan Sisters came down from Fatima. Frs. Augustine and Andrew came across from Ningil. Because of people coming from Ningil and Fatima, the ceremony did not start until 10:00am. People came from the Puang villages and also from Yili, Ningil, some from Lumi, Fatima and Aitape.
A group of very black fearsome Yemnu men led the entrance procession.
The readings were done by Sr. Alexia’s family and the vows were received by Sr. Bernadine.
Fr. Greg congratulated the Yemnus for remaining faithful to their Catholic faith when so many other villages have fallen away. He also congratulated Sr. Alexia for preserving so long in her dream and the Presentation Sister for furthering her education to include a teaching certificate. One week after the profession Sr. Alexia’s father was given a special award for over 40 years of teaching. But he and his wife Anna, were prouder still of their daughter’s final profession.
A group of Ningil men did a new spectacular offertory procession. An interesting feature at Puang was that men dominated the processions. The singsing was very good, as was the M.C. Lawrence Wendiai.
The Presentation Sisters gave the family the traditional crucifix and lamp and the family gave the Sisters a Yemnu fighting shield to help them in battle. Later the guests drove or walked around to Yemnu
to enjoy an authentic mumu right in Yemnu village. It was a fine overcast day just right for the celebration.