Introduction
My name is Joachim Vetenge. I come from a family of ten. I was born on August 26, 1984, the fourth of eight siblings—five brothers and two sisters. I was raised in Paparatava, Toma Local Level Government area, Gazelle District, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea.
Chapter 1: The Beginning of Life
My life journey was one of hardship and uncertainty for my parents, especially my mother. During my birth, she experienced severe labor complications and was referred from Paparatava Health Center to Vunapope Hospital. After days of pain and struggle, she finally gave birth. I am grateful to God for the life of my mother and the sacrifices she made so that I could live.
My early years were joyful, especially growing up with my family, sharing a bond of love. I was well cared for by both my parents and siblings. However, social interaction outside the family was limited, as my parents were very reserved. This upbringing made me quiet and less social, which affected my communication skills.
Life was challenging. Development was slow, job opportunities were rare, and families struggled. We relied on farming—especially cocoa and copra—for our livelihood and survival.
Though I don’t remember everything from my earliest years, I know life wasn’t easy. My parents were devout Catholics, and their faith grounded our family. I began Sunday school at age five, where I learned the basics of catechism, which strengthened my spiritual foundation. Watching the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart celebrate Mass inspired me.
In 1993, at age nine, I enrolled in elementary school. During my first year of formal schooling, disaster struck. On the 19th of September 1994, the volcano erupted. The school year was cut short, and everything was buried under ash. We were homeless for three months. Despite this, God remained close, providing for our needs.
Chapter 2: Primary School and Awakening of Vocation
My early school years were filled with excitement and curiosity. From 1994 to 2001, I completed Grades 1 to 8 at St. Joseph Paparatava Primary School, a Catholic institution run by the Archdiocese of Rabaul and cared for by MSC priests and Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart nuns. The school was well-disciplined and respected in the province.
In Grade 2, I felt a growing spiritual call and joined the Legion of Mary. Every Monday at 3 p.m., we met to pray the rosary and plan visits to the sick and elderly. These experiences helped shape me physically, mentally, and spiritually.
When I was in the 7th grade, my parents struggled financially and could no longer pay my school fees. I decided to stay home to help them and support my older brothers’ education. However, the burden was too heavy. After two weeks, I sat with my parents and expressed my desire to return to school. They agreed, and I resumed classes with renewed determination.
October 2001 marked the end of eight years of shared experiences. Many of us were in tears-tears of joy, sadness, and reflection. Our togetherness as a class has ended. The head teacher’s farewell speech was touching and inspiring. We concluded the day with a meal and a prayer of thanksgiving.
I went home with a heart full of hope and pride. I eagerly awaited the national exam results, hoping to be selected for high school. One evening, as names were announced on the FM radio, I heard mine—selected to attend St. Mary’s Vuvu, a Catholic boarding school run by the Christian Brothers.
On a Sunday after Mass, my family gathered for a farewell meal. It was an emotional moment—the first time I would be separated from them. That day marked the beginning of my deeper journey toward religious life.
From 2002 to 2003, I studied Grades 9 and 10 at St. Mary’s Vuvu. It was a challenging environment, with students from diverse backgrounds and influences. I remained disciplined, guided by strong moral values and the support of the school community. Br. Andrew Kiaplai, a Christian Brother, played a significant role in shaping me during this time. At the end of 2003, I graduated with pride and gratitude for all my success.
Chapter 3: A New Direction
Unfortunately, I was not accepted into Grade 11 due to a low English literacy score. Disappointed but not defeated, I stayed home and worked to improve my grades while supporting myself as a shopkeeper. Balancing work and study was difficult, but my determination kept me going. By the end of 2005, I completed my studies through FODE with strong results.
I spent 2006 saving money and preparing my application to join the minor seminary. I submitted my documents to the Catholic Education Secretary of the Archdiocese of Rabaul, expressing my desire to pursue religious life. My application was accepted. Later that year, I received my acceptance letter from Fr. Norbert Berkhman (MSC), my parish priest. I was overwhelmed with joy—my prayer was answered.
Soon after, I received further instructions from the MSC Vocation Director. My time at home that year was enriching. I participated in spiritual and community activities, which helped shape my moral character and prepare me for seminary life.
In 2007, at the age of 23, I entered St. Peter Chanel Minor Seminary, and I completed my studies in 2008. As an MSC candidate, I applied to the provincial authorities and councilors to proceed to the Novitiate. My application was accepted, and another chapter of my spiritual journey began.
CHAPTER 4: The Novitiate Journey
I left home and entered the Novitiate as a postulant in 2009, accompanied by nine other candidates, under the guidance of Fr. Greg Ruamana, MSC. He journeyed with us, nurturing us in all aspects: physically, spiritually, intellectually, and socially. The year was well-structured and filled with joy, learning, and community life. However, towards the end of the year, a few brothers made the unexpected decision to leave. As a result, only five of us remained.
The experience of formation in the MSC spirit left a deep and lasting mark on my life. It was during this period that I truly came to know the charism of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart—not just as an idea, but as a way of life. Their values shaped my understanding of community, service, and spirituality.
This experience opened my eyes to a larger story—one that began long before I was born, but continues to shape lives today, including my own. That is the story of the MSC mission in Papua New Guinea.
In 2010, we advanced to the next stage as novices. Two more candidates joined us, bringing our group to seven. Eventually, only four of us were approved to take our first vows on February 2, 2011. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” After our profession, the clerics proceeded to the major seminary while the brothers remained at the post-novitiate for further formation.
In 2013, I was selected by the provincial council to take up a pastoral course. I gladly accepted and completed the training. I was assigned to Tapo Parish in East New Britain, where I joyfully served and worked alongside the Christian faithful. I ministered there for five years, putting into practice what I had learned. This period played a significant role in deepening my spiritual life and personal growth.
After much prayer, reflection, and discernment, I felt a strong call toward a ministerial profession in health. In 2018, I decided to apply for nursing school, and to my joy, my application was accepted. In 2019, I enrolled in the two-year Community Health Worker program at St. Gerard’s School of Nursing. I graduated on March 5, 2021.
Soon after, I was assigned to Kilenge Health Centre in West New Britain. Unfortunately, the situation there didn’t go as planned, and I was asked to leave immediately. I returned to Port Moresby, where I began working on the documentation needed to travel to the United States.
The process took approximately a year, involving numerous steps and lengthy waiting periods for immigration approval. During that time, I remained patient and helped with community and provincial duties. Finally, on March 23, 2023, everything was ready. I boarded a flight from Papua New Guinea, traveled via Australia to Los Angeles, and after 48 hours of travel, arrived at Newark Airport in the U.S. I was warmly welcomed and driven to Center Valley, where I now reside.
Brother Joachim Vetenge, MSC