Bishop Peter's Visit Makes Milestone.

Bishop Peter Houhou’s visit to Sacred Heart parish has made a momentous step in having him celebrate Christmas at the parish level.

“We are happy to have the first Bishop to celebrate Christmas with us and this is a historical event that is happening in our parish”. This was one of the speeches of a church leader who warmly welcomed him during his 10-day Christmas pastoral visit from 21st to 30th December.

Bishops' involvement in their pastoral programs before, during, and after Christmas highlighted some of the important activities that everyone was involved in celebrating.

On Sunday 22nd, 15 candidates received their sacrament of confirmation and Bishop Peter emphasized his message on the gift of the Holy Spirit. The next day, he visited a church on one of the surrounding islands.

 He celebrated Christmas Eve Mass on the 24th of  December commemorating the birth of Jesus. The next day, Christmas Day, he reminded everyone how God became man through the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus.

Bishop Peter Houhou continued to be involved in other activities until he celebrated Children’s Day on Saturday 28th and witnessed talented performances by the youths and the little ones.

On Sunday 30th, the feast of the Holy Family, he celebrated a special Mass for couples to renew their relationship as spouses.

 During the farewell celebration from afternoon until night, about 400 children from PPY, primary and secondary schools performed a show of great talent and creativity to expressing their performances in a more meaningful and significant way for all.         

Bishop Peter Houhou left for Gizo the next day, Monday, December 30, 2024.         

Bishop’s Visit shows some Significance.

Voruvoru Parish highlighted several important events that took place there from 8th to 11th December 2024.

During his visit, he was warmly welcomed to Sariana village before proceeding to Kandova village the next day. On the following day, he visited Tutu village, with his final destination being Voruvoru Parish Mission Station on 11 December said the parish priest, Fr. Thomas.

His pastoral visit was colorful and enjoyable for the parishioners, who flocked to witness additional blessings for the communities as our bishop continued his pastoral visit.

The highlight of the visit was the Sacrament of Confirmations, where about 100 candidates received the fire of faith, while 10 received their first Holy Communion at Tutu village.

It was a well-prepared program, with special emphasis on Bishop Peter's visits to these communities, giving everyone the opportunity to feel the presence of the Lord in the church.

In addition, the Bishop's pastoral journey reached isolated communities as far as Choiseul in the northeast, where he blessed elderly people and children and visited and met with people, including those with disabilities.

Diocese of Gizo Teachers Commemorate Teachers Day

Teachers from our diocese celebrated World Teachers Day on October 4th this year, joining the nation and the globe to commemorate the day.

They had their own style of organizing with fellow teachers and students, likewise in St. Peter Urban Training Center Gizo.

 An annual global celebration has continued since 1994, when UNESCO introduced it to recognize the pivotal role of teachers.

The day also commemorated the 1966 UNESCO/ILO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers, which set international standards for teachers’ rights, professional development, and working conditions.

The recommendation was made to ensure that educators have access to the tools and assistance they need to do their jobs well.

And it is commemorated on October 5 every year to honor educators' significant influence on our lives.

They mentor us through important life stages, imparting knowledge and raising responsible citizens; they are frequently referred to as second parents.

This day honors their commitment and labor in forming society on a global scale.

Thirteen Teachers Participate Leadership Workshop.

Thirteen teachers from Southern Deanery have participated in a two-day School Leaders Workshop, which commenced on the 18th of September here at Saint Peters Youth Center Gizo.

Teachers were from Vanga schools, Saint John Bosco Nusabaruku, St Peter UTC, Saint Eusebius Noro, and some of our diocesan staff.

 The workshop was facilitated by Western Province Chief Education Officer Sam Parubule, Senior School Inspector (WP) Willy Etupio, and Senior Officer Gerry Pitakia.

Sessions include school grants and how to retire them, school reports, and the teachers’ appraisal.

The workshop concluded on day two.