Parish Outreach

Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood

Stained glass window in the chapel at Tabalia

A stained glass window in the brotherhood's chapel at Tabalia: Ini Kopuria, founder of the order (centre); a New Guinea Highlander (left); a Companion (right).

In each village where they stop, the brothers form a group called the Companions, whose work is to help the Brotherhood through prayer and material support, and to continue on after the brothers depart for another village. As well, there are individual companions and groups of companions in other parts of the world supporting the work of the Brotherhood. There are about 10,000 companions in total. Dr. Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was admitted as a Companion during his visit to Tabalia in July 2004.

Companions at St. Barnabas

On September 7, 2003, seven members of the St. Barnabas Parish were admitted as Companions of the Melanesian Brotherhood by Br. John Blyth of the order. This is the first group of Companions to be established in Canada. On June 12, 2005, during our celebration of the Feast Day of St. Barnabas, six more members of the parish were admitted as Companions, again by Br. John. Our group meets every month or two for a corporate mass and breakfast meeting.