The Catholic Diocese of Aitape

The Diocese of Aitape is a Roman Catholic diocese in the Aitape–Lumi region of West Sepik Province (formerly Sandaun Province), Papua New Guinea. The diocese is part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Madang.

Bishop

Most Rev. Siby Mathew Peedikayil, HGN
Bishop of Aitape

Bishop Siby Mathew, a member of the Heralds of Good News (HGN), was appointed Bishop of Aitape by Pope Francis. He leads the diocese with a pastoral vision focused on evangelization, catechesis, education, and community development.

History

The Catholic presence in the Aitape region dates back to the early 20th century, when missionaries of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) established the first mission stations. Over the decades, the Church has grown and established parishes, schools, health centres, and pastoral centres across the region.

The Diocese of Aitape was erected as a diocese, encompassing a vast area of the West Sepik Province, serving diverse communities in both coastal and highland areas.

Geography

The diocese covers a significant portion of the West Sepik Province, including:

• The coastal town of Aitape
• The highland districts of Lumi and Nuku
• Numerous remote villages and communities

The terrain ranges from coastal lowlands to rugged highlands, making pastoral access to remote communities a significant challenge.

Mission

The Diocese of Aitape is committed to:

• Evangelization — Proclaiming the Gospel to all people
• Catechesis — Deepening the faith through teaching
• Education — Operating Catholic schools across the province
• Healthcare — Supporting rural health services
• Community Development — Empowering communities through agriculture and skills training
• Inculturation — Celebrating the faith in the context of Melanesian culture

Contact

Diocese of Aitape
P O Box 179
Aitape 553
West Sepik Province
Papua New Guinea

📧 bpsibyhgn@gmail.com
📞 +675 70752851

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