RIP, Michael ToBung MSC, A pioneer PNG story
Archdiocese of Rabaul ·
Fr. Michael ToBung MSC died at 8.15pm on Sunday 17th April 2022 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Vunapope.
Fr. ToBung comes from Tamanairik Village, Toma area, ENBP. Fr. ToBung’s passing is a loss to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) PNG Province.
Fr. Michael was born on 23rd September 1940 in Tamanairik Village. He entered Sacred Heart Novitiate, Vunapau in 1965. He made his first vows on the 1st of May, 1966. Fr. Michael was accepted for perpetual profession, making his final commitment on the 30th of April 1972. Fr. Michael remained an MSC brother for quite a while before discerning God’s invitation to the priesthood. He later went to De Boismenu College (DBC), MSC Seminary outside Port Moresby to do philosophy and theological studies. He was ordained a priest on 20th February- 1981.
Fr. Michael ToBung held various important ministerial and pastoral responsibilities during his priestly and religious life. In the Archdiocese of Rabaul, he became the coordinator for Blessed Peter ToRot Catechetical Training Centre, Kininigunan, was parish priest of Tapo and Volavolo parishes and became spiritual director for Legio Maria. He retired to MSC Centre, Vunapope about 12 years ago, yet remained chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Fr. Michael also served as parish priest in West Taraka, Lae Diocese. During the Bougainville Crisis, he worked on Nissan Island for a year. Fr. Michael held other responsibilities for the MSC PNG Province. He was a member of the formation staff of De Boismenu College in the 1970s prior to his own seminary studies. He was appointed Postulant Director to Sacred Heart Novitiate, Vunapau, a tenure he held from 1990 to 1995.
Until his passing, Fr. Michael ToBung was one of the senior and founding members of MSC PNG Province. He is a very committed religious priest, who prayerfully cherishes his personal relationship with God and encourages everyone to do the same. His life testifies to it, his punctuality to prayer, attendance to daily Mass, and celebration of the sacraments. He leaves behind a legacy for us to emulate and a shoe quite big for our generation to step into. May his exemplary life challenge many of us strive to search for the truth and love of God in the Sacred Heart of Jesus!
We will greatly miss you. May you peacefully rest in God’s abiding presence!
