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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SALESIAN MISSIONS ANIMATION OFFICE (FIN) ISSUE NO. # 7 – VOLUME 3 JULY 2010
Solomon Islands
This is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. Its He had tossed the idea around "as a bit of a joke" while back
largest islands are Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Malaita, New home in Valtellina (Italy) and some friends promptly brought
Georgia, San Cristobal, and Santa Isabel. Its many other him down to the Aeroclub at Caiolo. "Go on, climb up in, let's
islands include Bellona, Rennell, and the Santa Cruz Islands. go for a test spin", a young instructor said. "And I said to
The country's largest islands are
myself, bringing the Gospel from
is also called the Solomon
on high would make things easier.
Islands. But not all the islands in
So here I am now, promoted to
the chain belong to the country.
pilot".
Bougainville, Buka, and a few
smaller islands in the northern
Up until now - and for the moment
part of the chain are part of
he must continue this way -
Papua New Guinea.
Bishop Capelli has a motorboat
for moving around his far-flung
The United Kingdom (UK)
diocese. 10 hours and 500 litres
ruled the Solomons from 1893 to
of fuel later he is likely to arrive at
1978, when the islands became
his destination. Now he figures he
independent. Honiara, on
can do the job in an hour and a
Guadalcanal, is the capital and
half.
largest community that has a
population of about 60,000 today.
The Flying Bishop
The Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands is just a little
about a hundred years old. It was established by the Marist
Missionaries who are strong in the Pacific. They have done a
great job in establishing the Church - some even dying for the
faith. They share the mission with other congregations among
which are the Dominicans, Vincentians, Salesians and MSP.
The Salesians are are happy to be part of the growth of youth
in Solomon Islands.
The Salesians care for:
Christ the King Parish, Tetere
Catholic Communications Solomons
Rove Vocational Training Centre
Don Bosco Youth Centre
Bishop Lucianno Capelli SDB, 62-years-old, is priest for 35
years and now a Bishop for almost 3 years. He is the pastor of
the Diocese of Gizo. “Our indomitable 'don Luciano' as he
prefers amongst friends, took advantage of an extended stay
in Italy, not only to attend the Rector Major's invitation to
Salesian bishops at Valdocco but to catch up with his ageing
mother, raise some funds for various diocesan projects 'back
home' in Gizo - and get his pilot's license!
WANTED: VOLUNTEERS FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS
I NEED A COUPLE OF GOOD AND EXPERT INSTRUCTORS (ALL AROUND) FOR INTRODUCING THE SECONDARY TECHNICAL
CURRICULUM. WE ARE RUNNING A TEACHERS' TVET COLLEGE AND OPENING TWO CENTERS
REQUIREMENT: MUST BE ALUMNUS OR ASH
SALAMAT
CIAO...
+CAPO
