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Papua New Guinea
Population: 4.4 million Life expectancy males/females: 56/57 years Infant mortality rate: 63‰ Literacy: 52% (1990)	Religions: Protestant 52%; Catholic 28.4%; Animist 4.2% Independence: 16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration) GDP per capita: US $1,200 (1995)

Spiritan Presence: Since 1971; 9 professed members; International Group (Nigeria, FOI, Ireland, TransCanada); 1 on OTP; 2 first appointments to arrive in 1998; 1 in formation.

As in Australia, Spiritans are principally involved in parish work but like Australia this involves a broad commitment to evangelisation. The building up of a community of believers calls for a variety of skills and good personal equilibrium. Justice issues are a constant ingredient of pastoral life, especially those relating to land rights and government services (for example, health).

Spiritans have contributed at the Pastoral Centre in Aitape, have participated in diocesan commissions, and a couple of years ago accepted chaplaincy of a Teachers Training College in Wewak diocese. Of the group working in Kerema diocese only one Irish Spiritan remains, but to great effect.

Missions are not easily accessible and are in contact daily by radio. Communication, especially across diocesan boundaries, remains difficult. Community life is a continuing struggle but it is receiving constant attention. Here prayer is the only sure foundation. All Spiritans meet three times a year and make the most of this opportunity for recollection and prayer together as well as for business.

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