GOROKA, Papua New Guinea, SEPT. 27, 2010 (Zenit.org).- The Catechism of the Catholic Church has been translated into New Guinea Pidgin, or Tok Pisin, the most prevalent language in Papua New Guinea.
Bishop Francesco Sarego of Goroka led the team of clerics and theologians in the translation project that was just completed, Fides reported Friday.
It noted that the prelates throughout the country have “joyfully approved the invaluable work.”
The catechism immediately went to the press, and each diocese in that country received 5,000 copies to sell to the public at a minimum cost.
Fides noted that the missionaries, catechists and faithful are overjoyed to have this translated text.
The desire was expressed to continue translating educational films on Scripture and the saints into the local language.
The news article noted that there have been requests for a greater investment in Catholic evangelization through print, radio, television, films, DVDs and CDs, along with the spiritual and professional education of people who will work in this ministry.
A little over a quarter of Papua New Guinea’s near 6 million people are Catholic.
Though Tok Pisin, English and Hiri Motu are official languages of the island, it is Tok Pisin that is widely used and understood. English is spoken by only 1%-2% and Hiri Motu by less than 2%.
