Our Capuchin brother Paul Patlo, OFM Cap., passed to the Lord’s eternal life on December 26, 2021, at Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG). He had suffered from kidney and liver failure for a number of weeks in Kimbe, his family home, where he was cared for by family until his illness required hospitalization in the nation’s capital. Paul was 52. His death marks a sad milestone for our Province: he was the first native friar from our mission to pass.
Paul was born in West New Britain-Pomio on October15, 1969, to his parents, Philip Kepipe and Francesca Kempole. His decision to be a Catholic priest goes back to his high school years in 1982 at Malmal High School in Pomio. When he completed grade 10 in 1985, he was accepted at St Peter Chanel Seminary in Rabaul to begin his priesthood studies. After objections by his father about his choice of schooling, however, Paul had to withdrew from the seminary and worked for two years as plantation supervisor with the New Britain Palm Oil Development (NBPOD) Company. The young man was not satisfied with the life he was living, however, and his desire to be a priest grew stronger and stronger.
Paul joined our Capuchin community in 1991, residing in Ialibu for his year as a candidate and Pangia for his novitiate year. Invested as a Novice on January 25, 1992, he made his first profession of vows on January 26, 1993. Until 1996, he performed pastoral service at Ialibu and made his Perpetual Profession of vows in 1995 at Madang. After philosophical and theological studies at the Catholic Theological Institute-Bomana, Paul was ordained to the priesthood on January 2, 2009, in Mendi.
In his life as a Capuchin, Paul’s ministry was varied but fulfilling. As a friar Paul Patlo loved ministering to his brothers and sisters in various towns and villages. He enjoyed pastoral work and had a passionate concern for the social needs of the people. His work included serving as assistant postulant director in Kagua, as parish priest of Hulia-Tabaraba, in pastoral supply at St Fidelis-Madang and in collaboration with the Franciscan friars in Banaule-Kimbe where he remained until his illness and untimely death.
May the soul of our brother Paul, through God’s infinite mercy, rest in His peace.