Three Dioceses of the Catholic Church of Solomon celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Mary coincide with Diamond, Golden and Silver jubilee on 8th December, 2022 at Visale.
The highlight of the celebration was the dedication of sisters who vow to serve the church in their life time.
Three of the sisters who served in the church for over 60 years also celebrated their diamond jubilee while two others celebrated their Golden Jubilee and one sister celebrated her Silver Jubilee since they made their final vowed to married to the church.
Among the sisters who celebrated their Jubilees and have made their final vows are Sr Stephanie and Sr. Nelly
The celebration began with a beautiful and joyful Holy Mass led by Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP assisted by all brother priests Fr. Iuvans Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Fr. Peter Chele, Fr. Mark Misiwasi, Fr. Jacob Aba sm and Fr. Patelisio.
With a joyful Liturgy animated by Catholic DMI sisters, friends and relatives from Takwa parish, Makira, Takwa Parish, Visale and Auki and Buma Parishioners.
The first reading was read by one of the final vowed Sr. Noelyn, while the Psalms was sang with an angelic voices from the 3 newly professed sisters.
The Gospel was read by Fr. Peter Chele.
During the Homily, Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP emotionally and joyfully shared a briefed history of the DMI sisters said,
“DMI sisters’ congregation was exist during the World War II by the Marist missionaries”
“And thanks be to God that even though the war separated them for sometime, the spirit in them brought them back after the war”
“Bishop Styvenberg Marist Bishop started the DMI congregation for the Solomon Islands”
He then continued by congratulating the jubilant sisters and final professions and acknowledges their parents and family members for their support in building their faith in loving Christ.
He also thanked the sisters for accepting this vocation to serve Jesus and be part of the religious congregation just like the blessed Mother of Jesus who accepted the call of God to be the mother of Jesus.
And further reflected on the bible reading, and added
“Inside the bible reading of the feast of conception, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that it is through her the saviour is to be born”
“She did not resist or rethink her decisions but accepted her call and through her acceptance, our saviour is born and brought us salvation”
He then turns to the church congregation and encourages young girls and boys to pray for vocation.
He concluded by acknowledging the Old sisters convent for continues prayers and encouraged the Christians to continue serving the Lord with Gladness.
“The sisters might not do much of the physical activities due to their old age but never a single day that they go without praying”
“And the church needed their prayers more than ever” he ended
The Holy Mass continued with a joyful recessional and ended with feasting and colourful entrainment from the Relatives and Friends of the Sisters.
This included Presenting of gifts and cutting of cake.
By Tina Akwai
Catholic Communication
