OCEANIA/SOLOMON ISLANDS - Honiara archdiocese welcomes two new deacons for service to the community and evangelisation

Thursday, 6 July 2006

Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - Dominic Gapiurutara and Howard Deli were ordained deacons by Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara at Holy Cross Cathedral, on 25th June, 2006. Over 1500 people were present for a very lively liturgical celebration. Dominic Gapiurutara hails from the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, Manivovo, while Howard Deli, comes St. Michael’s parish, Avuavu. They are now on their final step for the priesthood on a vocational path which started years ago under the guidance of the local Church.
In his homily Archbishop Adrian urged the new deacons among other things to “guard yourselves against any relationships that will destroy your celibacy; be transparent in all money matters; Addictions of any kind - smoking, alcohol and betel nut - that cause you to waste time are to be avoided. “Youth and all people are looking at you and want you to be models for the People of God”, he told them as he addressed the congregation in his homily
The deacon’s mission consists of liturgical service, catechesis and diocesan charity work as well as evangelisation, “serving the people with joy”, the Archbishop said.
For their part the new deacons urged the young people and seminarians present never to lose faith and hope in the Lord and to discern his calling and will, combining prayer with active mission. Dominic and Howard said they are ready for pastoral work trying to learn how to tackle new difficulties brought by changing culture. In Solomons youth pastoral is essential in the fields of education, vocation pastoral, fight against AIDS and drug abuse. (Agenzia Fides 6/07/2006 Righe: 25 Parole: 254)


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