Walking With Faith
March 24, 2025
From left- Sister Janet Andrew, Sister Cathy Jambet and Sister Marie-Therese Jorumbu. Picture by Nina Marie Tibong
Three religious sisters have made history by becoming the first laywomen to graduate with an Advanced Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Ministry, from Divine Word University (DWU), a course traditionally taken by priests, brothers and laymen.
Sister Cathy Jambet and Sister Janet Andrew, who are Mercy Sisters, along with Sister Marie-Therese Jorumbu, a Rosary Sister, graduated during the 43rd Divine Word University graduation in Madang.
They are part of a group of seven sisters who have completed the two-year Advanced Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Ministry. Four other Sisters who could not attend in person but commemorated this achievement , in absentia were Sisters Angeline Singiat RSM, Loretta Wasi Manganapi SR, Monica-Pia Kneubuhler FSDP and Benedicta Level FMI.
The Theology program is offered by the Institute of Sisters of Mercy of Australia and Papua New Guinea (ISMAPNG) in partnership with DWU to equip Catholic Religious Women in PNG and the Solomon Islands for Ministry roles.
The program began in 2015, with over 150 sisters from 23 religious orders having taken at least one class. The first graduation was held in 2019, where a few sisters graduated with a Diploma in the Theology Program.
Sisters Cathy, Janet and Marie-Therese picture their journey as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the power of education. Despite coming from different backgrounds, the three women were united by their passion for the church and their faith.
“Our education has deepened our faith and brought us closer to God,” they shared. “This knowledge will help us teach religious education and build a strong moral and spiritual foundation for the future generation.”
Sister Cathy added that the importance of faith in life and ministry, saying:
“Faith is the foundation of the Catholic Church and our relationship with God. If you learn to walk with faith, it will carry you.”
As the world evolves, so too does the Church, and this transformation is beautifully reflected in the way religious education has adapted. The Advanced Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Ministry stands as a testament to this progression, offering women the opportunity to deepen their faith and engage in ministry in ways that were once unimaginable.
As these sisters move forward, their hope is to inspire future female theological students and encourage both men and women to pursue deeper theological education.
“We must continue to learn, so we can guide others in their faith,” Sister Cathy shared. “The world is changing, and we must stay rooted in our mission to spread God’s word.”
Written by Nina Marie Tibong, DWU Journalism Student