Catholic communities surrounding Tangarare Catholic station have joined Tiqe community over the weekend to celebrate the opening of a newly permanent Church building.
Close to three thousand people including people from different provinces came to witness the historical spiritialevent.
The completion of the Church was described as a blessing after many years of struggle to raise funds for the building.
The official dedication of the new Church complex was officiated by Fr Onesimo Reinunu,Tagarare Priest, together with Fr Iuvenc Rapasia and Fr Martin Tuqa of AvuAvu Parish.
Elder and chair of the Church organising committee, Sebino Kavihai, said the Church was first constructed in 1979 as a small size Church, but over the years the need for a new Church was required and the fundraising and planning kicked off.
However construction work was disturbed during the ethnic tension period until recently that fundraising and work has resumed which resulted in the successful completion of the Church complex.
He said despite the challenges, the members have worked hard and it took them almost ten years to complete the building.
“The completion of the church building has cost them more than $300,000.00 with the money coming from the members and the Member of Parliament (MP).”
During the dedication service Parish priest Fr Onesimo said the new permanent building is a gift for the community from God.
“The building shows how each member is committed with the community work as part of maintaining unity in the society.”
He challenged the congregation and the community to live a Christian life, so that the community can be united.
West Guadalcanal Solomon Star Stringer, John Toki said the celebration is one of biggest ever to have happened in the Tangarare parish.,
“The occasion was witnessed by many people including men, women, youths and children coming out in groups to participate in feasting and entertainment.”
He said at the conclusion of the program,chief Sebino acknowledged all those who have helped to contribute to the completion of Church.
“Without your support and working together the Church building will not completed. So I wish to thank you all for your effort, time and money towards this important project.”
By SOLOMON LOFANA
