The Catholic Teachers Sodality Group gathered at the Holy Cross Cathedral on 13 December 2020 for their Thanksgiving Mass.
The Mass was led by His Grace Rev. Archbishop Christopher Cardone with a dynamic Liturgy led by the Bishop Epalle teachers and Catholic Teachers Sodality group.
Archbishop Chris Cardone shared 2 stories of Joy that the Catholic Church received during the first and second weeks of December.
First the profession of 3 new DMI sisters and secondly, the final profession of 2 others followed by the ordination to priesthood celebration in Tangarare last week.
During the Homily, Archbishop Chris Cardone OP reflected on the day’s Gospel message from St. John and encouraged Christians and teachers to follow the example of St. John the Baptists testimonies of joy and the coming of Jesus.
“Being Joyful is not an easy thing but it takes courage and faith to be Joyful”
“John left everything and put God first with all his heart” he added
He further acknowledges and sympathizes with schools on their losses this year, the two catholic teachers, Late Mr. Godfrey Warunitepe from St. Joseph Tenaru School and recently Mrs. Daisy Esibaea who was called to rest on the 9th December 2020.
He ended by congratulating all the Catholic School teachers for their hard work during the year and encouraged them to continue living a faithful teacher and Christian and to always serve the Lord with Gladness.
Apart from the thanksgiving Mass, the teachers Sodality also gathered at the Holy cross Cathedral Hall for a short Catholic Teachers Sodality Meeting, Thanksgiving Christmas Party, and to farewell the current outgoing school Principal of Bishop Epalle Catholic School Mr. Jackson Meke.
The celebration continues during the day with the feasting and cutting of the catholic teachers’ sodality cake and farewell cake for Jackson Meke.
The formal handover will take effect on the 26th January 2021, where the new Principal Mr. Samson Alley, and his 2 new deputy Principals, Mr. Colemen Mani and Mrs. Judy Saelea will officially take on the positions next year.
In gratitude and recognition of his longest service to the church in the Education Mission, he was commended for his outstanding service. The ceremony yesterday was highlighted when all the teachers’ gathered to farewell Mr. Jackson Meke and other catholic teachers who will be retiring this year.
Catholic Education Secretary Ms. Modesta Hasiau during her closing remark reminded the teachers of their 2021 updates and acknowledged His Grace Archbishop Chris Cardone for recognizing the need for education and his help in the schools.
She further acknowledged the school leaders and principals for all their help and support in keeping the schools organized despite the Covid19 pandemic.
She concluded by thanking the retired School Principal Mr. Jackson Meke for his dedication and reminded the retired teachers that they will always remain part of the Catholic Education Authority.
– Catholic Communications
