Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Fides Service) - Gratitude to Christian missionaries who in the past and present contributed to the growth of the nation was voiced recently by Solomon Islands Prime Minister. Sir Allan Kemakeza commended the Visale Sacred Heart Parish on North West Guadalcanal for pioneering the Catholic Church work in that part of the province and in Solomon Islands.
Sir Allan said this while speaking at Paru village in the Visale parish, on 18th June, 2004, the first day of the celebrations. He described the efforts by the Catholic Church and its missionaries as worthy contributions especially in the areas of spreading the gospel, health, education, commerce and shipping. He also added that his government is grateful that the Catholic Church and other churches have continued with their valuable contributions in nation building.
The Prime Minister said that the reconciliation signified the need for churches to work together to ensure that the people, who make up the churches, harmoniously co-exist with each other: “Children need to be educated to cultivate a Culture of Peace and tolerance in society, and respect other cultures, traditions and religions. The state and the churches continue to be important partners in the country’s development - the key to achieving lasting peace and prosperity for the people.”
About 1000 people, Catholics and Anglicans took part in the celebrations marking the arrival of the first Catholic Missionaries 100 years ago. The parishioners and their neighbouring Anglican community re-enacted how the fist missionaries landed at Paru Beach and negotiated the piece of land now accommodating the Visale Sacred Heart parish. Although the two church communities have peacefully co-existed side by side during the past 100 years, there was an initial conflict. The leaders of the two churches, local tribes and their people used the occasion to finally settle the conflict in a reconciliation ceremony.
The event was the largest gathering in the area since the past five years of the ethnic tension. Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara congratulated the people for the work put in to mark the celebrations. He praised the people for their efforts and encouraged them to seek new ways to educate their children and harness the talents, energies and resources of the youngsters and the people to their advantage. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/6/2004 lines 30 words 337)
