Divine Word University, Madang Campus recently held its 18th Missioning Ceremony, commissioning final year students to go forth and serve their communities with compassion, integrity, and a genuine missionary spirit.
The ceremony commenced with a Holy Eucharist led by the DWU Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences students and staff. Delivering the homily, Archbishop Douglas Young, SVD, reflected on the significance of the missioning cross and drew inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, recalling how Jesus travelled through towns and synagogues teaching and showing compassion to people who were “harassed and helpless.”
Archbishop Young encouraged students to view the world through the eyes of Christ and respond to the needs of others with empathy and understanding.
“It is the prayer and hope of Divine Word University that the graduates, in a genuine missionary spirit, look upon this broken world, this world of suffering, with different eyes, the eyes and heart of compassion, and use the talents, knowledge, skills, strengths, and abilities gained during their time at the University to genuinely serve people,” he said.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. David Kitchnoge, Chief Investment Officer of Kumul Consolidated Holdings, who challenged students to become leaders of character and purpose. “Our country needs good people to lead it, not just brilliant minds, but people who can think with their hearts,” Mr. Kitchnoge said.
He reminded the students that serving their calling with humility, obedience, respect, and a spirit of service would bring rewards far beyond personal success.
Mr. Kitchnoge further noted that employers today seek individuals with the right attitude and strong values. “Employers are looking for people with the right attitude, organizations are looking for trustworthy counterparties, and the country is crying out for its sons and daughters to lead it with both their brains and heart,” he said.
Representing the DWU community, Ms. Maria Huaniangre, National Fisheries Authority Madang Port Manager, also shared words of encouragement, emphasizing the importance of character in professional life.
“Your degree will open doors, but your character will keep them open and determine how far you go,” she told the students.
She stressed that qualities such as integrity, honesty, respect, teamwork, humility, and a positive attitude are valued just as highly as academic achievements.
“People may forget your grades, but they will always remember your professionalism, your work ethic, and the way you treated others in the workplace,” she said.
In his welcome address, DWU President Professor Fr. Philip Gibbs, SVD, highlighted the significance of the occasion as the University celebrates 30 years as a University.
“This event is a time of thanksgiving, a time of appreciation, and a time of blessing,” Fr. Gibbs said.
He explained that the missioning cross presented to students symbolizes that blessing and serves as a reminder of their responsibility to serve others. Fr. Gibbs also quoted the University’s first president, Professor Fr. Young Czuba, from the 2011 Missioning Ceremony:
“As we gather to celebrate the journey of the students, we are reminded that the education you receive at DWU is not just about academic achievement, but about becoming a person of value.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the blessing of the Missioning Cross by Archbishop Douglas Young, which was subsequently presented to final year students. The cross symbolizes the graduates’ commitment to carry forward the values instilled during their time at DWU and to serve their communities with compassion, respect, and love.
As the students prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that true leadership is measured not only by knowledge and skills, but also by the willingness to serve others with heart, integrity, and a spirit of compassion.