AUKI Catholic Diocese in Malaita Province has welcomed Fr Lawrence Maelesau into the community of priesthood –who will invest whole of his life into the work of God.
Fr Lawrence was ordained as priest on Saturday and is now ready to serve as a priest in Catholic communities within the Auki Diocese.
The ordination of Fr Lawrence adds to the number of diocesan priests and a reflection of the expansion of the church in communities and parishes in the country.
Fr Lawrence graduated with degree of Theology after completing seven years of study at Catholic Seminary, Holy Name of Mary.
Hundreds of people gathered to witness and join the ordination of Fr Lawrence who is the second Priest to come from Auki parish.
The ordination was conducted by Auki Catholic Diocese Bishop Reverend Peter Houhou and was witnessed by priests that served in 11 Catholic parishes in Auki diocese.
In his sermon Reverend Bishop Houhou said God has chosen and call Lawrence to become his servant to work and speak out the truth to the people.
He added that the Fr Lawrence will be responsible to stay and work with the people when delivering the responsibility as a church leader.
He said the church will raise Lawrence as he now joins the ministry of priesthood to serve the people with the word of God.
However, he reminds the congregation that there will be challenges faced when delivering his duty at parishes or place of work.
He encourages church members to support and strengthen Fr Lawrence with prayers as he will start to perform his duty as priest in the country.
Bishop Houhou was happy to have Fr Lawrence into the priesthood Ministry.
Fr John Adai one of senior Catholic priests who served the church for 22 years expressed acknowledgment in the ordination of Fr Lawrence who is a member in his family.
“I was very happy to have someone in the family to become a priest it reflects the continuity of family tradition to serve the church,” Fr Adai said.
He said priesthood is challenging profession, however it may become joyful when people around help by contributing in the work.
Fr Lawrence is originally from Sasale village in West Kwara’ae. The posting for Fr Lawrence is yet to be made by the administration.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Auki News Bureau
