The community and parishioners of Dala – a parish within the Auki Catholic Diocese of Malaita will now be able to worship in a newly completed church building.
The modern type-church building was officially consecrated and dedicated on Monday 27th December.
It was constructed by Bros, a locally owned building construction company based in Malaita.
The church building stands at a length of 42meters and width of 26meters.
The consecration of the new church building was conducted and officiated by Reverend Bishop Hou Hou of Catholic Diocese of Auki.
He was assisted by local priests from Catholic parishes in Malaita.
Hundreds of parishioners, Catholic members, supporters and friends have attended and witness the dedication ceremony.
The event was also attended by Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani and his delegation.
For Dala Parish its a dream come true and pride for them who have worked hard by placing their resources, time, efforts and life together to build the church building.
Bishop Hou Hou in his Homily highly acknowledged the parishioners and helping partners for expressing their faith through hard work and commitment to build such building that people will use for worship.
“The church building is a gift of God.”
The new church building has helped to a face –lift the community because to have such a modern and classic building in the community is something to be proud of.
In an interview Dala Parish Priest Peter Puamae shared a brief background and progress of the church project.
He proudly said the church building was planned and built by the communities and parishioners.
“This includes women, men. youths and children who offer their time without any charge.”
However, he said since they have limited funding to continue with the project they applied for funding through Marist Mission in Australia and were fortunate to receive a funding of$300,000.
He said they also received an additional sum of $200,000 from Marist general house in Rome which total up to around $500,000 to help continue with the project.
He said the parishioners have gone through great challenges to build the church building.
He therefore acknowledges all the resource owners and individuals who offered their resources and time freely to the project.
He believes that the approach of involving people and communities to participate freely in building such projects is a good reflection for everyone.
A chief at Dala community Peter Ufa has expressed his joy and described the event as a fruit of working together.
He proudly said that the success has reflected a working together of parishioners and communities in building the church building.
“I wish to highlight here that this event has reflect our existing culture of community working together, partnership and trust,” Mr Ufa said.
The celebration ended with feasting and entertainment.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Auki News Bureau
