One of the (Pope) right hand man, His Eminence Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio with 2 other priests, Fr. Simone and Fr. Don Flavio from Vatican Rome are visiting the Catholic Diocese of Gizo.
One of the (Pope) right hand man, His Eminence Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio with 2 other priests, Fr. Simone and Fr. Don Flavio from Vatican Rome are visiting the Catholic Diocese of Gizo.
A 50ft steel-hulled vessel which was purchased by our bishop in 2015 thanks to many benefactors who made it possible has arrived from New Zealand on Christmas day. Once in service in the diocese of Gizo, the GALILEE ship will operate between the Western Province and the Choiseul Province, providing transport for people and goods, serving the schools, health centers, pastoral activities and the parishes with project activities.
Ongoing assistance requires training local people with the skills to operate the vessel and maintain it, as well as management to ensure that its operating costs are sustainable.
About 12 tribe chiefs of Voruvoru area within North Choiseul have agreed and signed a document to offer a portion of their land to the Catholic Church for the development of a new center where a structure will be built and human resources involved.
The goal of the center to be built and run will be the bringing of the community together to dream and plan for the realization of their dreams.
The young generations, in particular, will be assisted and formed for a better future through health and education programs, religious instruction, cultural encounters, recreational facilities, and opportunities.
The dreams are big, the land is small but enough to start with…. for sure more can be invested as time and dreams will also grow. It will be all depend on the ability of the community to learn from the past and sacrifice for a better future.
One of the members said, “God forgive us when all our dreams are have become true because they were too small… Voruvoru dreams are big; we wish all the goodwill they need to be one in mind and heart and to remain committed when the going will be tough”
The formal signing of the agreement followed by the groundbreaking ceremony with all speeches from chiefs was indeed a great occasion witnessed by the large crowd of people who enjoyed singing and dancing with the local pan pipers.
The night was very peaceful followed by the Solemn Confirmation liturgy with 93 candidates.
The Catholic community of Voruvoru will be the 7th parish to enjoy a new church and facilities attached to it in the post-tsunami reconstruction program of the diocese of Gizo, badly hit by the disaster of April 2, 2007.
Mary’s Pilgrimage Praise.
Our parishes have received more expressions of gratitude from our parishioners for Mary's pilgrimage around parishes during The month May.
They claimed that the program was successfully launched from the beginning to the conclusion. They added that the colorful activities involved everyone traveling with Mary's sculpture, signifying her presence as she traveled across rivers, over valleys and mountains, and along the coastal areas.
Others who are far away from their parish have followed social media and have been blessed seeing only the pictures are also part of the event giving out their congratulation and asking Mama Mary for prayer for intercession.
Others observed that Mary's pilgrimage made it possible for people who couldn't be there, like the elderly and disables, to participate in the festivities and asked Mary to intercede on their behalf.
In addition, people who are unable to participate in Eucharistic celebrations have sensed Mary's call and seen that the church is alive.
In summary, Mary’s pilgrimage carries both religious and symbolic meanings, emphasizing faith, devotion, and connection to the Divine.