In May, the fraternity in Washington, DC, joined in prayer and farewells for confrere Tim Rubeling, OFM Cap., one of our student friars studying for the priesthood at Catholic University there. Now in Papua New Guinea, Br. Tim is visiting the Custody in a trip arranged by the Custody's Minister, Neil Blue, OFM Cap. What follows is Tim's report from the South Pacific, but we're assured that he'll be back toward the end of July before his Solemn Profession alongside our brothers Kevin Campos, OFM Cap., Philip Paulson, OFM Cap. and Sam Roberts, OFM Cap. on Saturday, August 15, 2026 . . .
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Tim fills us in of the trip so far . . .
I visited Port Moresby at the post-Novitiate house, and then I stayed in Madang - both the postulancy house and the St. Fidelis Friary. Now I'm based in Mendi but visiting many sites . . . I went with Joe Tuscan to visit his old flock in Sumi. That was incredible: 25 years later, and they still have such a love for him. As the summer goes on [winter in PNG] I hope to take part in more events for the Mendi diocese's Year of Reverence**. I will go to Tari, Det, Lower Mendi, Upper Mendi, Pangia and the many outstations surrounding these places. I will also be climbing Mt. Wilhelm with a few brothers here. This is the highest peak in PNG. After that I will visit Kimbe, where Bill Fey was bishop, and then I will go back to Moresby. That is my tentative schedule. Things change quickly in PNG.
**The Diocese of Mendi in Papua New Guinea declared a Year of Reverence to promote a focused renewal of reverence toward God, self, and others.The start date was The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 2025 and its conclusion was the celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ this year.
See these and all of our brother Tim's photos from PNG in the Gallery.