The Mercy Fever In Gizo Diocese

The ‘MERCY FEVER’ which converts and globalises the hearts proposed to us by Pope Francis to commit us to forgive others and challenge us to service and solidarity with all has reached the highest point in the thermometer here in Gizo at the centre south Pacific region

The isolation of the parishes from the Gizo Diocesan Centre makes it impossible for the people of the far away villages to reach the cathedral and the Holy Door of the Jubilee year

The pastoral team however did not give up the great opportunity offered to the faithful and proposed an easy and meaningful initiative “If the isolated faithful cannot go to the holy door at the cathedral, the holy door will go around the parishes and the villages to reach the isolated people”

The tour of the 14 villages ended today after two intensive months with the diocesan boat and 60 horse outboard motor which braved the sea which has not always peaceful and cooperative

The welcome ceremony at sea has been very well prepared

• The Holy door was preceded by the Cross and sided by the two banners of the Jubilee year logo

• The village warriors gave the Cross and the door a real custom and hero welcome

• There followed a liturgical celebration on meditation on God’s words, celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation and Eucharist

• The symbolic passing through the reconciliation door implied the acceptance of the gift of compassion received and the commitment to reconcile with one’s neighbours, and peace making among hostile groups. True peace we all believe passes through forgiveness freely received and given

• The people have been prepared by the pastoral team on a previous visit and responded with unexpected enthusiasm

The Gizo priests have shared their happiness in seeing the people participate with all good will

In Melanesian social life “reconciliation-compensation” are key words and the ritual is central in the culture of the village social life, Faith provides the experience first in oneself and the sharing of that experience to others as a commitment to the Gift received

Never have the priests worked so hard as these two months as ministers of reconciliation

How beautiful it is when we can experience reconciliation within ourselves and we share this gift to others… How beautiful it is when we can forgive each other and start again

Mistakes and conflicts can become moments encounter and of growth if faced with an open heart, motivated by faith and generosity

Luciano Capelli, sdb

Bishop of Gizo

Mary’s Pilgrimage Praise.

Our parishes have received more expressions of gratitude from our parishioners for Mary's pilgrimage around parishes during The month May.

  

They claimed that the program was successfully launched from the beginning to the conclusion. They added that the colorful activities involved everyone traveling with Mary's sculpture, signifying her presence as she traveled across rivers, over valleys and mountains, and along the coastal areas.

  

Others who are far away from their parish have followed social media and have been blessed seeing only the pictures are also part of the event giving out their congratulation and asking Mama Mary for prayer for intercession.

Others observed that Mary's pilgrimage made it possible for people who couldn't be there, like the elderly and disables, to participate in the festivities and asked Mary to intercede on their behalf.

In addition, people who are unable to participate in Eucharistic celebrations have sensed Mary's call and seen that the church is alive.

In summary, Mary’s pilgrimage carries both religious and symbolic meanings, emphasizing faith, devotion, and connection to the Divine.

St. Martha Women’s Success a Day Gathering.

The Saint Martha Women of Gizo parish wrapped up their one-day seminar on Spiritual Formation and Planning on Saturday, May 25th, at Loga Island.

The program began with Thanksgiving mass and a beautiful homily by Fr. Dominic Soloko. They then engaged in a variety of activities to keep themselves busy all day.

     

Reporting was Sr. Teresa Tebaia OP saying that they had their meditation to keep them close to the Spirit, followed by indoor games to keep them prepared for the day’s sessions.

The main topics of discussion included contributions about the goals and mission of the Catholic women's movement inside the church and the value of communication in building healthy connections with God, other people, and oneself.

The program was run by two Dominican sisters, Sr. Bari and Sr. Teresa and Janet Burabura, along with their executives, Clotilda and Joy. The program involved twenty women from St. Peters Parish of Gizo.

These women expressed their gratitude as they really enjoyed the day and are looking forward to their next events, stated Sr. Teresa Tebaia OP.