GIZO: 29th October 2007 -- Dignitaries alighted from the 18 seater Solomon Airlines charted flight for the episcopal ordiantion, on 21st October, of Fr Luciano Capelli sdb.  The canoe trip from Nutsupe to Gizo, to complete the journey, was smooth and fast and visitors were welcomed with flower garlands.  Joseph Cardinal Zen and His Excellency, Archbishop Francisco Padilla DD, were welcomed by Bishop Chris Cardone op and Bishop Bernard O’Grady op.  Fr. Andrew Wong sdb, Provincial of the Philippines North Province (FIN), and Fr. Luciano Odorico sdb, Delegate for PNG-SI, together with several Salesians, sisters and other guests were also part of the VIP delegation.
    His Eminence Cardinal Joseph Zen sdb, bishop of Hong Kong, was the President and principal Consecrator at the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb, DD, Bishop of Gizo.  The well-prepared three hour liturgy commenced at 9 am on 21 October, 2007 and was held at the Melanesian Sphearhead Hall, Gizo.
    24 priests joined the co-consecrating Bishops: His Excellency Archbishop Francisco Padilla DD, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG-SI and Most Rev. Bishop Bernard O’Grady op, DD, retiring bishop of the Diocese of Gizo.  Bishop Chris Cardone op, bishop of Auki, Bishop Patrick Buzon sdb, bishop of Kabankalan, Philippines, Bishop Bernard Unabali, bishop of Bouginville, Bishop John Ribat, Coadjutor bishop of Port Moresby, were the other bishops at the Ordination.  Different parishes and choir groups dressed in their local costumes were seated in their assigned places together with about 2000 people.  The coat of arms with the words ‘Lift up your hearts …. and all will be well’ was the banner at the left of the altar.
    Boys in their local costumes with shells and grass, played their panpipes and led the procession from the cathedral grounds to the MSG hall.  A long line of servers led the priests, bishops, ordaining cardinal, bishop-elect Luciano Capelli and his family members.  The Dominican choir consisting of brothers, sisters and people, the Gilbert choir and Sunday school, led the singing in English, Pidgin and local languages.  At the Gloria the Gizo Sunday School children all dressed in satin, gave praise to the Lord in song and dance.  Processional dances were also part of the celebration.
    After the gospel, the Bishop-elect was brought up in procession with dancers and flute players and accompanied by a young man and woman.  He was presented to Cardinal Zen, the ordaining bishop, by Fr. Andrew Wong and Fr. Henry Paroi op.  The decree of appointment was read out by Archbishop Francisco Padillaand then shown to the people.
    Cardinal Zen then addressed the clergy, people and the Bishop-elect on the duties and responsibilities of a bishop.  “The title of Bishop is one not of honour, but of work.  A bishop should strive to serve rather than to rule.  Such is the counsel of the Master,” said Cardinal Zen in his homily.  He stressed the daily Eucharistic celebrations and that as an educator one needs to show to the people the beauty of virtue, of Gospel values and the ugliness of sin.   Recalling the recent words of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, he exhorted the Bishop to be a man of prayer.  “Prayer makes of us rivers with unceasing flow of fresh water”, he said.   He also exhorted the bishop to collaborate with the many people ready to assist and help in different ways.
    An age-old custom of the Fathers decreed that the Bishop-elect be questioned before the people on his resolve to uphold the faith and to discharge his duties faithfully.  A solemn moment of prayer was when the Bishop-elect prostrated himself at the feet of the Ordaining minister while the Litany of Saints was sung and the entire congregation knelt and prayed together with the cantor.
    The congregation then witnessed the Laying of hands by the Cardinal and the concelebrating bishops.  The Book of the Gospels was then held over the head of Bishop-elect by Fr. Simon op and Fr. Jacob until the prayer of consecration was completed.  The Bishops head was anointed.  He was presented with the Book of the Gospels signifying preaching the word with unfailing patience and sound teaching.  The ring, the miter and the pastoral staff were then given to the newly ordained Bishop, signifying his pastoral office and that he has been appointed to be Shepherd of the Church of God.  At the kiss of peace, Bishop Capelli was greeted by his brother bishops.  He also had the opportunity to greet his mother, Mrs. Linda Capelli.  Representatives of the clergy and the community then had the opportunity to wish the newly ordained Bishop.  At the offertory procession with the gifts of bread and wine and a variety of gifts were brought up in procession.  The consecration and the Communion followed.  At the end of the Eucharist the newly Ordained Bishop of Gizo gave his blessings to all those present.
    Addressing the congregation, the Apostolic Nuncio spoke of the earthquake and the tsunami that brought destruction to lives and property.  He recalled the Cross and the Icon that arrived in the Solomon Islands to bring the people hope as they struggled on.  He expressed his deep appreciation to Bishop O'Grady op, who with his firmness, strength and courage led the people through their difficult moments.  He conveyed the praise and gratitude of the Holy Father for the 12 years of hard work put in by Bishop O’Grady in the Diocese of Gizo.  He then presented Bishop Capelli as the new Bishop.   He reminded him of the challenges and difficulties and the need to exercise patience and strive to bring about unity in the flock of Christ.   “Follow your predecessor Bishop Bernard who led the people with patience and dedication”, were his words to the new Bishop.  He reminded him of the threefold Mission, to teach, to sanctify and to rule.   His stress was on the Eucharistic celebration and the holiness of life and an exercise of ministry in humility and service.  He requested the people to join hands and move forward with the people.
    Bishop O’Grady then addressed the congregation.  He welcomed the Cardinal and thanked him for standing up for the religious rights of the people in Asia.  “You are a strong man”, he said, “you honour us with your presence”.  He thanked the Premier, civil society and church personnel who form part of the society of the Western Province.  He made mention of the organizing committee who MSG Hall, the different committees responsible for a very well organized liturgical celebration, dancing and singing and the entertainment programme to follow.  He then said words of appreciation to the different communities.   The people responded enthusiastically as he spoke to them in their own local languages.
    Bishop Capelli spoke of support compassion and hard work.  He explained the coat of arms and the choice of his motto.  “The beauty of creation is to be defended”, he said.  He encouraged the people to respond to the needs of the people.  He thanked his parents, his mother present, and the challenges of the ministry of 34 years in the Philippine islands and the past 8 years in Solomon Islands.  He thanked the people for their welcome and highlighted ecumenism and working together as priorities in his ministry.
    A festive meal with a variety of local food was served.  A well prepared entertainment with dances and cultural items was staged on the cathedral grounds watched by an eager audience of over 2000 people.  Gifts were presented to the new Bishop and words of welcome were expressed by religious and civil authorities.
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