17/09/2026
CONGRATULATIONS TO FR. BRIAN NONDE
New Secretary for Social Communications
Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
From: Papua New Guinea Union of Catholic Students (PNG UCS)
The Papua New Guinea Union of Catholic Students (PNG UCS) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Fr. Brian Nonde on his appointment as the new Secretary for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI).
This is an important responsibility within the Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, particularly at a time when communication, digital media, social platforms and the responsible sharing of information have become increasingly important to the mission of the Church.
The PNG UCS joins the Catholic faithful, clergy, religious communities, Catholic institutions, students and young people throughout Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in welcoming Fr. Brian to this important ministry. We pray that God will bless him abundantly as he begins this new chapter of service to the Church.
A Ministry of Communication and Evangelisation
Social communications is much more than the transmission of information. It is a ministry of evangelisation, dialogue, education, formation and connection.
Through radio, television, newspapers, websites, social media and emerging digital technologies, the Church has an opportunity to reach people in cities, towns, villages, schools, universities, parishes and remote communities.
For many young people, especially Catholic students, digital communication has become an important part of everyday life. It is therefore essential that the Church continues to communicate the Gospel in ways that are accessible, responsible, meaningful and relevant to younger generations.
We believe Fr. Brian's new responsibility provides an important opportunity to strengthen communication between the CBC PNGSI and the Catholic faithful, particularly young people and students.
Reaching the Young People of the Church
The PNG UCS particularly recognises the importance of communication in engaging Catholic students and young people.
Students are not simply recipients of information. They are active participants in the life and mission of the Church. They have ideas, talents, creativity, questions and experiences that can contribute significantly to the Church's evangelising mission.
Through responsible use of social media and other communication platforms, young Catholics can share their faith, tell their stories, promote Catholic values, encourage one another and participate in community and social development.
We therefore look forward to seeing stronger opportunities for Catholic students and young people to participate in the communications ministry of the Church.
Communicating Hope
Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands are blessed with remarkable cultural, linguistic and community diversity. The Catholic Church serves people from many different communities, cultures and backgrounds.
Effective social communication can help bring these communities together.
It can give visibility to the good work being undertaken by parishes, schools, Catholic universities, religious congregations, health services, social ministries, youth groups and community organisations.
It can also provide a platform for sharing stories of faith, reconciliation, service, education, peacebuilding and care for people who are experiencing poverty or disadvantage.
In this sense, Catholic communication is a ministry of hope.
It reminds people that the Church is present in their communities and that their experiences, struggles, achievements and hopes matter.
A Special Message to Catholic Students
The Papua New Guinea Union of Catholic Students encourages Catholic students throughout the country to support Fr. Brian Nonde and the CBC PNGSI communications ministry.
Students can become ambassadors of positive communication.
We encourage young Catholics to use digital platforms responsibly by:
promoting truth and respect;
sharing positive stories from their communities;
avoiding misinformation and harmful content;
respecting human dignity and privacy;
encouraging dialogue rather than division;
promoting peace and reconciliation;
sharing Catholic teachings and values;
highlighting the achievements of Catholic students and young people; and
using technology to serve others and build stronger communities.
The digital environment presents challenges, but it also provides extraordinary opportunities for evangelisation and education.
Building a Stronger Catholic Communications Network
The PNG UCS hopes that Fr. Brian's ministry will contribute to strengthening collaboration among Catholic communication offices, dioceses, parishes, schools, universities, youth organisations, religious congregations and Catholic media throughout Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
There is enormous potential for young people to contribute through journalism, photography, video production, graphic design, social media, podcasting, radio, digital storytelling and other forms of communication.
Catholic students possess many of these skills, and their talents can be placed at the service of the Church.
We therefore encourage the development of opportunities for students and young communicators to receive formation, mentoring and practical experience in Catholic communications.
Our Prayer and Support
As Fr. Brian Nonde takes up this new responsibility, the PNG UCS assures him of our prayers and support.
May the Holy Spirit guide him in his ministry.
May God grant him wisdom to communicate with truth, courage to address important issues with compassion, humility to listen to the voices of the people, and creativity to communicate the Gospel effectively in the rapidly changing digital world.
May his ministry help the Church to listen more deeply, communicate more effectively and reach people who may otherwise remain disconnected from the life of the Church.
We also pray that his work will strengthen the bonds between the Catholic Church and young people across Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Congratulations, Fr. Brian! Parish Priest of St. Sebastians Parish, East Taraka, Lae - Morobe Province.
Fr. Brian Nonde, congratulations on your new appointment as Secretary for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
Your new ministry comes with an important responsibility, but also with a great opportunity to serve the Church and the people of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
May you use the gifts God has given you to promote the Gospel, strengthen unity, encourage young people, amplify positive voices and build bridges between communities.
The Papua New Guinea Union of Catholic Students looks forward to working together with the Catholic Bishops Conference and supporting initiatives that empower Catholic students and young people to become responsible communicators, leaders and servants of the Church and society.
May Mary, Mother of the Church, accompany you in your ministry, and may Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, guide your words, your work and your service.
Congratulations and God bless you, Fr. Brian Nonde!
From the National Executive and Members of the
Papua New Guinea Union of Catholic Students (PNG UCS)
“Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel.” — Mark 16:15
Faith • Service • Education • Leadership • Community
