Tubuan and Tabernacle follows the lives of two men who played a prominent part in the religious and cultural development of the present Papua New Guinea from the time of the First World War.

Fr Bernard Franke was born in Germany, joined the MSC order, and worked from 1928 to 1984 as a missionary in New Britain. Benedict To Varpin was born in New Britain, was ordained priest in 1971, and became Archbishop of Madang from 1987 to 2001.

An introductory section describes the traditional beliefs and practices of the people of New Britain, and the spirit world that was so real to them. There are the dramas as missionaries first meet the local people, and tensions between Catholics and other Christian groups. Action-packed chapters include many stories of suffering and kindness and heroism during the Second World War, as well as during times of volcanic eruptions. The author’s lasting friendship with these two central figures is shown in her study of some of the serious issues at work, told with a wealth of personal detail and comedy.

Two themes emerge from the spread of Christianity throughout the region. There is the growing friendship and respect between the Christian churches, illustrated by various human stories of meetings between Catholic, Anglican and United Church clergy. Then there is the inculturation, or acceptance by the Christian churches of traditional customs that had at first been rejected as harmful superstitions.

The title word tubuan stands for a custom among the Tolai people of Rabaul, involving a special dance with men wearing a symbolic dress. Traditionally, there are strong associations with the spirit world, and some of these involve harmful spirits. The inculturation promoted by people such as Bernard Franke and Benedict To Varpin meant the freeing of the traditional custom from the harmful and superstitious elements, so that it could be a way of celebrating the rich history and culture of the people. As such it has come to take its place in community life alongside the tabernacle, a symbol that stands at the heart of the Catholic ritual.

The book also covers aspects of the lives of Archbishop Hermann ToPaivu and the Blessed Peter ToRot.

Published in 2007 with 282 illustrated pages in soft cover.  The book covers mission history in Rabaul, Madang and Yule Island.

Purchase price $35. Postage within Australia $AUD5