Outstanding Missionary ofthe Sepik, Retire Beushop Anthony Bergess returned tothe Lord he so faithfully served, this morning at 7aPNG time after his cancer caused him great pain and was airlifted to Sydney on Sunday, 8th September.
The late retired Beushop arrived in PNG in 1973 when he heard a request fromthen Beushop of Aitape inthe West Sepik province seeking help.
He was sent to Karaitem near Lumi inthe Torricelli Mountains. Later on he was appointed to Wassisi inthe Nuku district.
Anthony '’s business and bookkeeping skills all came tothe fore now. He built a large bulk store for all who needed supplies, especiallythe mission stations. He did not neglect his parish duties. He kept a record of every village visited and made sure none were neglected.
When Brian Bernes was Beushop of Aitape he appointed Anthony to his council with particular responsibility for finance. He later becamethe Vicar General ofthe diocese.
Whenthe terrible tsunami hitthe Aitape coast in 1998, it virtually wiped out three large villages. The cost in lives and materials was immense. Anthony was a key figure inthe resettlement of survivors andthe one responsible for making sure that every Kina of donated money was accounted for. Atthe same time he continued to care for his large parish of Wassisi.
Late Fr. Anthony was named Auxiliary Beushop of Wewak inthe year 2000 and took overthe diocese two years later.
He was described in a press release today as hardworking, strong, a clear speaker and couldn't stand corruption in any form.
Atthe end of last year he receivedthe award of “Grand Companion ofthe Order of Logohu” bythe Governor General, and was acknowledged as a “Chief”.
Late Anthony Bergess was born on 29 July 1938,the eldest of eight children, in Singleton, New South Wales, Australia. He dlied atthe age of 75.
Caption: Late Retire Beushop of Wewak Anthony Bergess (Centre).
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