Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Honiara (Agenzia Fides) - Recently Catholic Religious in Solomons Islands attended a series of workshops for Religious Women and for Priests and Religious men on the issue of appropriate relationships for their celibate lives directed by Sr. Marie Turner DW (Daughter of Wisdom). The participants were helped to value their celibacy in the service of the Kingdom of God and the Church. Guidelines were discussed as how best to deal with Priests or religious men and women, who beyond the boundaries of their call to celibacy.
Issues such as child abuse and inappropriate relationships between religious persons were studied. The need for Gospel based support for religious persons in living celibacy was stressed. The catholic priests and religious men and women working within the three Catholic Dioceses very much appreciated the topics studied in the workshops. They were affirmed in their choice of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom of God. They sought ways to support each other to live faithfully what they see as a God given call.
The workshop held at Don Bosco, Henderson on 16 and 17 September, 2006 was attended by 32 women. They were joined by representatives from the Anglican women religious communities. The second workshop, held at Holy Name of Mary Seminary, Tenaru from 18 to 21 September, 2006, was attended by 65 priests, seminarians and religious from the Archdiocese of Honiara, Diocese of Gizo and the Diocese of Auki
Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki was the main celebrant at the concluding Eucharist at the end of the programme, stressed the need for a positive interaction with the local people.(Agenzia Fides 29/9/2006; righe 25; parole 251)
