4570(I)_"Laka Toba Vanira I Thau I Ngenide Mi Naghora"
Christ the King Parish Tetere, Golden Jubilee Celebrations
December 2, 2017
Tetere, Solomon Islands, 26 November 2017 -- Christ the King Parish in Tetere, Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands celebrated 50 years as a parish. The parish of Christ the King - was entrusted to the Marists in 1967. It was passed on to the Dominicans in 1990. In 1995, the Salesians of Don Bosco were entrusted with the parish. Its first parish priest was Fr. Pedro Balcazar sdb, who belongs to the Province of Japan. This parish was the missionary frontier of the province.
The Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, DD, Archbishop of Honiara. Several priests, the Superior of the Vincentians in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, Salesians working in the 2 presences of Henderson and Tetere, Fr. Achille Loropiana the Parish Priest of Himonya Parish, Japan and its Chairman, Mr. Kamaguchi, two Salesian priests who have been assigned previously in the parish. Three groups Sisters who are actively working in the parish were present to join the parishioners in this joyous and festive celebration: the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, and the La Pieta Sisters. Guests from around the Archdiocese, parishioners and friends were there join in the celebrations of this milestone of the parish.
In his homily, the Archbishop highlighted the theme of the parish on its Golden Jubilee; “Laka Toba Vanira I Thau I Ngenide Mi Naghora – gratitude to all the good people: missionaries and locals of the area who have been instrumental in its foundation - priests, religious and lay leaders who are animating and inspiring the growth of the parish communities; envisioning a renewed parish community. He recalled the historic moment of St. John Paul II’s visit to Solomon Islands and drawing out from his words, he underlined the importance of remembering the past: early missionaries who have come and offered their lives for the people, caring for their needs, nourishing and sustaining their faith; celebrating the present, continuing the legacy of the missionaries and lay leaders, championing their cause and values, promoting and deepening the radical call of the Gospel of transformation and entrusting the future with hope.
Twenty-four young people of the parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation from the Archbishop. Seven married couples were given due recognition for their faithfulness in witnessing to their marriage vows.
Before the end of the Mass, the Parish Priest, Fr. Albert Lenon on behalf of the parish community, acknowledged and presented a token of appreciation to the Archbishop and several guests.
After the Eucharistic celebration, the parish priest together with the Jubilee Committee provided a wholesome lunch for everybody. The celebrations continued with traditional sharing of food for guests, parish groups and communities. A feeling of gratitude, sense of pride for the present and confidently looking ahead towards a parish community where truly Christ is the King was evident.
