Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tahiti (Agenzia Fides) - Nineteen thousand kilometers from the Proto-Monastery of Assisi, in the heart of the South Pacific, with twelve time zones less than Rome, the Poor Clares of the only monastery in Polynesia, on August 11, 2012 celebrated with solemnity the Clariano Year.
The Poor Clares arrived in Papeete in 1981 at the request of the late Msgr. Michael Coppenrath at the monastery of Lennoxville, Canada.
In 1990 the first three Canadian nuns were accompanied by as many Poor Clares of the Philippines.
Three years later the nuns settled in the monastery on the hill of Punaauia. Faithful to the Rule of the Second Order, founded by St. Clare, the "seraphic seedling" of St. Francis, the Sisters multiplied accepting different vocations from the five islands of Polynesia and Fiji Islands and Vanatou.
In addition to contemplation, the nuns dedicate themselves to the work of gardening, agriculture, livestock, beekeeping, weaving, carpentry, mechanics.
The Poor Clares of Tahiti package for the whole of Polynesia and the big hosts and particles for the Eucharistic Sacrifice.
Thanks to their presence, a thriving community of lay Tertiary Franciscans in addition to the large group of Franciscan Youth and the Friends of St. Francis, was born in Polynesia.
For about a month, two Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, Fr. Alfonso M.A. Bruno and Friar Francesco M. Antonelli have been staying at the nuns guesthouse, who during their stay in Tahiti, dedicated themselves full time to the formation of the laity, the ministry of the Eucharist, confession, preaching, lectures, visiting the sick and programs, and technical and professional counseling to Catholic radio "Maria No Te Hau ". (A.M.A.B) (Agenzia Fides 20/08/2012)
