Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Fides Service) - For ten years a large statue of Christ the King and a great Cross have watched over the town of Tetere and Christ the King Catholic parish on the island of Guadalcanal, one of six large islands in the Solomons archipelago which includes about 992 smaller isles and reefs. It was a group of Salesian missionaries who built Christ the King parish church in 1995 and Salesians still run the parish. Recently the local Catholic community celebrated the 10th anniversary of Christ the King parish with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by the Archbishop of Honiara Adrian Smith, in the presence of numerous priests and religious and a congregation of over 1,500 people gathered for the occasion.
In his homily the Archbishop said that in the last decade Christian contribution in society has grown thanks to the work of the Salesians committed mainly in the field of youth pastoral and education and communications. Archbishop Smith expressed gratitude to the priests for offering material and spiritual support during recent civil strife in the Solomons and to promote reconciliation .
Today the Catholic community in Tetere is vivacious and active, committed to pastoral service, proclamation and, according to those present including parish priest Italian Salesian missionary Fr Luciano Capelli, Christ the King enthusiastic parish youth are not afraid to live and promote the values of the Gospel.
Recently with the help of young parishioners Fr Capelli launched Radio Don Bosco a Catholic non commercial broadcasting station to spread a message of peace and hope in the South Pacific. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/11/2005 righe 24 parole 276)
