The Catholic Diocese of Gizo celebrated its birthday 60th Diamond Jubilee. The diamond jubilee of the diocese started from the episcopal ordination of Bishop Eusebius Crawford in Rome May 1960, who ordained for the diocese of Gizo.
The Dominican Order gave birth and bursed the diocese for the last 47 years 1960 to 2007. for the last 13 years, the has been assigned to the care of the Salesian; Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb after the earthquake and devastating tsunami and the recovery period.
| Moli parish; warriors ready to welcome the Candle & Cross | Nila parish; pan pipers escorting the Candle and the Cross |
The diocese of Gizo is one of the 3 diocese in the Solomon Islands and formed from the vicariates of the Northern and Southern.
Solomon island in the early 1960, it encompasses 3 provinces, Choiseul, Western and Isabel. Its spread over the area of 12,600 square kilometres, 129,000 people of whom approximately 14,000 are Catholics (Source; www.catholicgizo.org, 2007). The future of the diocese will be strengthened by the further education of its people.
Since its esterblishment, the diocese has run school,clinics abd other development which really helped the faithful of the diocese, therefore, in the priest meeting the with the bishop had agreed to have a pilgrimage diamond jubilee journey to all parishes within the diocese with the Paschal Candle and the Cross. As we all know that our church is full if signs and symbols. Candle and the Cross are comon symbols and therefore, people will understand. Its a sign of Risen Christ and the Light of the world and the Cross is a sign of Gods love for humanity. Without Sacrifices no Glory!
| Nila parish; a traditional welcome by warriors | Moli parish; a proccess through students from St. Joseph Moli |
The pilgrimage journey, Candle and the Cross to parishes began on the 15th April (Consecretion day).
The diamond jubilee celebration in every parishes were of great moment of joy.
They welcomed the Candle and Cross with faith, love and thanksgiving heart. Every Eucharistic celebrations were alive in every parishes. With homilies given by the priests reminded everyone to celebrate the past, present and future with great joy. Moving by the Spirit people were asked to forgive, confess and renew their commitment to Christ to take up their cross and follow the light.
| Wagina parish; Escorting the Candle and Cross to their Chapel | Gizo Cathedral; parishioners awaiting their turn to celebrate |
The Way of Light devotion was new to them but people had really took part. A new experence that deepened their faith to the risen Christ who is the light of the world. Reflecting on to the jubilee signs and symbols in every parishes (3 days for each parish) was a prayerful moment for everyone, this helped the faithful to recall back their baptismal promises.
The history, 1960 to 20121 had helped the faithful to reflect to early missionaries and present missionaries the challenges they face especially nursing the faithful of the faithful. not only Spiritual concern but also the welfare of the faithful who are under the care.
| A child helping her small brother during the arrival of the Candle and Cross. Hurray! she turn another year today (Sirovanga) |
They bult schools and clinics. They also reflecting on present development under the care of a Salesian bishop, Bishop Capelli, and his dream for the diocese, which they express that it is time now to say Yes! to the dreams and take up responsibilities and build the church that God wants us for another 60 years
The theme "Baptised, Consecrated and Sent for missions" challenges these parishioners for wittness for the church for the next coming years.
| Bishop Luciano Capelli and the parish priest cutting the Jubilee cake |