Reflections on opening of new Temple
Experiencing the inauguration of a sacred space is a profound and moving event. Penina Hitti was one of three members of the New Zealand Bahá'í community with strong links to Papua New Guinea (PNG), who were invited by the National Spiritual Assembly of New Zealand to formally represent the Aotearoa Bahá'í community at the dedication of the national Bahá'í House of Worship in Port Moresby. The National Assembly of PNG had given our community this opportunity to have formal representation. In addition, the National Spiritual Assembly of PNG directly invited many other New Zealand Bahá'ís who had served their community in some way over past decades.
Penina’s reflections, shared below in her own words, provide a heartfelt glimpse into the celebration, connections, and deep spirituality that marked this historic occasion.
The journey begins
The celebration started from the get-go. The plane was mostly filled with Bahá'ís (probably over 30 people) from New Zealand and Australia. As I boarded, I was greeted with enthusiastic waves and warm smiles. The cabin was buzzing with conversations about the upcoming event, and it felt like a grand reunion. It was heartwarming to see familiar faces from years past, all coming together for this special occasion.
Some of the friends from New Zealand and Australia. These are children of pioneer families (Hancock and Smith families) who were in Papua New Guinea in the 80s and 90s.
Arriving at the House of Worship
Stepping onto the House of Worship grounds for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience. So many of the Papua New Guinean friends were lined up waiting for the gates to open. We all burst into tears seeing so many of the people we remembered when we were children growing up in the Papua New Guinea Bahá'í community. The architecture of the House of Worship, set against the lush backdrop of Papua New Guinea’s city landscape, was breathtaking. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of peace and reverence, and the air was alive with the sounds of traditional music and laughter.
Walking up the path and seeing the House of Worship in Papua New Guinea for the first time.
Moments of connection
One of the most memorable parts of the first day was a conversation I had with a young Papua New Guinean Bahá'í who was a child when I left Papua New Guinea. She shared how her parents had learned about the Faith through listening to the teachers of the Faith, and now, with the institute process, the next generation can read and learn directly from the Writings. Much has changed since I last visited over 20 years ago. Now, she is shouldering the work of the Faith from her parents. While things have moved on, she reflected on how she would be printing and hand-delivering Feast letters to many sectors later in the week! We often take some things for granted in our New Zealand Bahá'í communities.
Penina [third from left] and Lua [far right] from New Zealand with their friends. They were formerly all youth together in PNG.
““This physical edifice, nestled in the hills of Port Moresby that overlook the Coral Sea, has a profound spiritual significance. By welcoming all within its walls, it expresses the unity of the human race and the oneness of all religions.””
The inaugural ceremony
The inaugural ceremony was a highlight. The prayers, chants, and readings under the outdoor sitting area creating a powerful spiritual ambience. Seeing representatives from various Papua New Guinea regions coming together for this event was a profound reminder of the Bahá'í principle of unity in diversity. Some of the friends had walked on foot for 2-3 days to attend! There were about 800-1000 people gathered for the occasion.
Under the tent before the event began on Saturday 25th of May (photo shared with Penina Hitti)
Personal reflections
The experience left a lasting impact on me. It was not just about the physical structure of the temple, but what it represented – a continuation and jump in the spiritual awakening for Papua New Guinea. Many people I spoke with commented about how impressed they were with the programme and also the ushers who were oftentimes young people or youth. They stood for hours in the blazing heat with smiles and utter contentment to be offering service to those who attended the event.
I left Papua New Guinea with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to my Bahá'í family worldwide. The House of Justice so perfectly summarised the spiritual qualities in the Papua New Guinea people: "Purity of heart, deep spirituality, and unshakeable faith—these attributes are inherent in the noble people of Papua New Guinea.
Selfless services were offered by the ushers who guided the people around the House of Worship in Papua New Guinea (photo shared with Penina Hitti)
The second day was attended by over 3,000 Bahá'ís and their friends. It was a more informal occasion, filled with song and some presentations of gifts from friends far and wide. We were able to present a special gift for the occasion that was made by some of the New Zealand friends and others from the Pacific.
Penina presenting the ngatu on behalf of some of the friends.
“Our Gift to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Papua New Guinea”
“This is our collaborative gift made to mark the occasion of the inauguration of the National House of Worship for Papua New Guinea.
“The friends who lovingly contributed to various aspects of creating this gift were Tamari Cabeikanacea (Fiji), Ebonie Laufilitoga Maka Fifita (Tonga/NZ), Sara Leask (NZ), Penina Hitti (Samoa/NZ), Robin White (NZ), Ruha Fifita (Tonga/NZ) and their families. We offer this gift in service and memory of ‘Akesa Fifita (Tonga) and Manesesa White (Samoa).
“With sincere love on this momentous occasion, we celebrate the spirit of unity that has brought us together in the making and giving of this gift.”
Presented on behalf of the team by Penina Hitti (nee Smith).
Photo gallery
The photos below are a collection, some taken from inside the national House of Worship, a few of the group of artists who worked on the gifted ngatu, and a photo of Penina Hitti with her parents Derek and Tulua Smith who pioneered to Papua New Guinea from New Zealand in the 1980s and stayed for over 38 years. Penina also shares the following comments on the workmanship of the Temple.
“I recommend everyone view the full coverage of the event (found here) which describes the hard work of the Papua New Guinea carvers who hand carved these hard wood panels for the entrance of the House of Worship – they are exquisite and unique.
“The most inspiring part of the celebration was how the architects Saeed Granfar and Henry Lape, shared how the House of Worship was built by the people of Papua New Guinea, with loving and sacrificial service. Many of the friends were not trained professionals of building trades, but wholeheartedly took on the task and learned what needed to be learned and acted with determination, dedication and joy to ensure the House of Worship was built!”
Feature photo: Taken by Penina Hitti from inside the Temple
