On July 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of Bishop Rolando Crisostomo Santos, C.M., as head of the Diocese of Alotau–Sideia in Papua New Guinea. At the same time, he appointed Father Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M., until now rector of Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana (Port Moresby), as the new, fifth bishop of the diocese.

This appointment marks an important moment not only for the local Church in Milne Bay Province but also for the broader Catholic mission in Oceania, where the Church continues to grow in diversity, maturity, and missionary vitality.

Jacek Piotr Tendej, C.M. Image: Yakobis TV.

A Missionary Educator Formed in Faith and Pedagogy

Bishop-elect Jacek Piotr Tendej was born on June 26, 1963, in Handzlówka, near Łańcut, in southeastern Poland (Subcarpathian Province). He was admitted to the Province of Poland of the Congregation of the Mission on December 8, 1984. He professed perpetual vows in the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) on December 8, 1989, following the charism of St. Vincent de Paul. His academic formation is rich and multidisciplinary: he earned a Master of Theology in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Academy of Theology in Kraków (now the Pontifical University of John Paul II), a licentiate in Educational Sciences from the Pontifical Salesian University in Rome, and a doctorate in Pedagogy from the University of the National Education Commission in Krakow (formerly Academy of Pedagogy). He fluently speaks Polish, English, French, Italian.

He was ordained a priest on May 25, 1991, and began a long career dedicated to education and pastoral work. His early assignments included serving as a religion teacher and parish vicar in primary schools in the Our Lady of Miraculous Medal parish in Zakopane (1991–1995) and in a secondary school as a vicar in Our lady of Lourdes parish in Kraków (1995–1997). He then spent a year in the United States, serving as a vicar and teacher at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish (staffed by Polish Vincentians of CM New England Province since 1923) in Brooklyn, New York (2000).

Returning to Poland, he worked as a youth educator with the Fr. Siemaszko Foundation in Kraków (2001–2002) which established a secondary schools (then Middle School and High School) known as “Good News 2000” Educational Center in Piekary near Krakow airport. Fr. Tendej was the first Principal of the school and Director of the Center. He managed it foundation and development. The Center is also know as the location of Vincentian Youth Day in 2016 prior to World Youth Days in krakow, Poland.  In the same from 2001 to 2013 he served as He was a lecturer of Educational Sciences (catechetics, pedagogy, and methodology of teaching). at the Vincentian Institute of Theology (Alma Mater of Polish Vincentians since 1910) affiliated to the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Kraków.

Answering the Call to Mission in Papua New Guinea

In 2014, Fr. Tendej responded to a call issued by then-Superior General of the Vincentians, Fr. Gregory Gay, encouraging confreres to offer themselves for mission in areas of great need. He was among the first fruits of this “Mission Appeal” and was sent to Papua New Guinea.

Upon his arrival, he was appointed rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana, in suburbs of Port Moresby. At that time, the seminary was considered one of the most neglected and under-resourced in the Catholic world. Under his leadership, the seminary began a process of renewal— strengthening its academic programs, stabilizing community life, and deepening the formation of future priests for the Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

His decade of service as rector has left a significant mark on the country’s clergy formation, helping to ensure that seminarians are not only intellectually equipped but also spiritually grounded and pastorally committed.

The Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea: Vibrant and Missionary

The Catholic Church in Papua New Guinea comprises approximately 27% of the nation’s 10 million people. It is a Church of striking vitality, marked by liturgical richness, a growing local clergy, and active lay participation. Evangelization began in the 19th century and continues today through a strong network of dioceses, parishes, schools, and social services.

Geographic isolation and economic hardship remain challenges. Many dioceses— including Alotau–Sideia— serve communities scattered across remote islands, accessible only by boat or small aircraft. Despite this, the Church remains a key player in education, healthcare, and peacebuilding, especially in rural and tribal areas.

The Diocese of Alotau–Sideia covers the Milne Bay Province in southeastern Papua New Guinea. Its communities are ethnically diverse and spiritually vibrant, but often lack sufficient infrastructure. The pastoral needs are great, and the commitment of missionary clergy and lay leaders is crucial.

A Bishop for the Peripheries

In appointing Fr. Tendej as bishop, Pope Leo XIV has entrusted the diocese to a missionary who understands the cultural complexity and pastoral urgency of the region. His Vincentian spirituality— rooted in service to the poor, education, and missionary zeal— resonates deeply with the needs of Alotau–Sideia.

His background in education and seminary formation suggests he will continue to invest in clergy training, lay empowerment, and catechetical renewal. The diocese will likely benefit from his experience in reviving Holy Spirit Seminary, especially in building local leadership and fostering vocations.

Looking Ahead

As bishop-elect, Fr. Tendej will now prepare for episcopal ordination. A date has not yet been announced, but the diocese is already preparing to receive its new shepherd. He succeeds Bishop Rolando Santos, C.M. (2011-2025), who has served the diocese faithfully and will now step down after years of dedicated leadership. Fr. Tendej is the fifth bishop of Aloatu-Sideia and fourth bishop of Polish origin in 19 dioceses of Papua New Guinea.

This transition signals both continuity and renewal — continuity in the Vincentian missionary tradition, and renewal in the Church’s commitment to forming leaders from and for the peripheries. The Diocese of Alotau–Sideia — and indeed all of Papua New Guinea — will be watching with hope and prayer as Bishop-elect Tendej begins this next chapter in his ministry.