THE Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara, Christopher M Cardone OP, has ordained Father Simon Pindi CM at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara last Saturday.
Father Pindi was ordained during the Solemnity of the Annunciation and was assisted by brother Priests from Vincentians, Marists, Dominicans, Salesian and Diocesan priests working in the Archdiocese of Honiara and Auki Diocese.
Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, in his Homily shared the story of St Vincent de Paul who came from the village and from a simple life just like the sseminarians.
“The patron saint of charitable societies, St Vincent de Paul is primarily recognised for his charity and compassion for the poor,” he added.
Archbishop Cardone encouraged the new priest and everyone to emulate the characteristics of St Vincent de Paul and be Christ like.
He spoke of some of the characteristics of St Vincent de Paul and these included simplicity, humility, gentleness and selflessness.
According to the Vincentian Society, Fr Pindi CM is the first Vincentian priest from Papua New Guinea (PNG) who attended the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, Fiji, and was ordained transitional deacon by Archbishop Peter Chong in 2021.
He graduated as a Pastoral Councilor from the Pacific Theological College in Suva and exercised the Deaconate Ministry at St John the Apostle Parish in Natovi.
Fr Pindi’s mother, Agnes, who was the only family member who travelled from PNG to witness the ordination of her son shared a very emotional but proud and joyful moment as she witnessed her son ordained to serve the Church of God and its people with a humble heart.
Fr Pindi acknowledged everyone who helped him through his journey to become a priest.
He spoke of needing everyone’s prayers and support to be able to continue the tradition of St Vincent de Paul and the ‘Congregation of the Mission to Welcome the Stranger.’
The ceremony was also witnessed by provincial Superior of the Vincentian Fathers and Brothers in Oceania. Also present were Fr Alan Gibson CM, Fr Thomas Lanyon CM and John Pickering who represented the Vincentian Fathers in Fiji.
The ceremony ended with entertainment and feasting at the Good Shepherd Parish at Red Beach in Central Guadalcanal.
–Catholic Communication
