Guhu crash

Crash victim's children baptised

By Patrick Matbob

Three children of one of the victims of Saturday’s plane crash were baptised on Sunday morning unaware that their father was dead.

Lighting the candles to remember the dead

Madang United Church Congregation Pastor Barry John shared the moving story with more than 700 people including Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Madang yesterday morning.

When Pastor Barry asked the mother of the children of the late Francis Kalana on Sunday why he was not present she said she did not know.

“I baptised three of his children only to find out he has passed away,” he said.

He reminded the people that death will come at any time and people have to be prepared.

The memorial service began at 10am and ended just before midday.

In a time when people everywhere were preparing for the festive season, the deaths of the eight people have dampened the Christmas spirit in Madang. Throughout the township, relatives have continued to gather to mourn and offer support to the families of the victims.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare flew into Madang in the morning and joined the people for the combined memorial service.

“I came to share in the sorrow of the people of Madang,” he said.

“I want to say sorry on behalf of the National Government to the families, relatives and work mates of those who have died.”

He said the people would remember their contribution to the country.

“Their children will remember them that they died while trying to deliver services to the people.

Tourism Minister Alois Kingsley spoke on behalf of Madang Governor James Yali who was too emotional to speak because he had personally known and worked with most of the victims.

An equally emotional Madang Provincial Member and Minister for Inter-government Relations, Sir Peter Barter said there is no honorable way to die then to die while doing your duty.

Host priest of Holy Spirit Cathedral Fr Joe Forstner reminded people again of the season of advent that preceded Christmas and called for Christians to be prepared for Christ’s birth.

Also present to share with the grief of the people of Madang was former Southern Highlands Premier Yaungtin Koromba.

By Patrick Matbob

Three children of one of the victims of Saturday’s plane crash were baptised on Sunday morning unaware that their father was dead.

Madang United Church Congregation Pastor Barry John shared the moving story with more than 700 people including Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Madang yesterday morning.

When Pastor Barry asked the mother of the children of the late Francis Kalana on Sunday why he was not present she said she did not know.

“I baptised three of his children only to find out he has passed away,” he said.

He reminded the people that death will come at any time and people have to be prepared.

The memorial service began at 10am and ended just before midday.

In a time when people everywhere were preparing for the festive season, the deaths of the eight people have dampened the Christmas spirit in Madang. Throughout the township, relatives have continued to gather to mourn and offer support to the families of the victims.

Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare flew into Madang in the morning and joined the people for the combined memorial service.

“I came to share in the sorrow of the people of Madang,” he said.

“I want to say sorry on behalf of the National Government to the families, relatives and work mates of those who have died.”

He said the people would remember their contribution to the country.

“Their children will remember them that they died while trying to deliver services to the people.

Tourism Minister Alois Kingsley spoke on behalf of Madang Governor James Yali who was too emotional to speak because he had personally known and worked with most of the victims.

An equally emotional Madang Provincial Member and Minister for Inter-government Relations, Sir Peter Barter said there is no honorable way to die then to die while doing your duty.

Host priest of Holy Spirit Cathedral Fr Joe Forstner reminded people again of the season of advent that preceded Christmas and called for Christians to be prepared for Christ’s birth.

Also present to share with the grief of the people of Madang was former Southern Highlands Premier Yaungtin Koromba.