(ANS – Gizo) – On Sunday 4 December, the diocese of Gizo, at present entrusted to the Salesian Bishop  Luciano Capelli, celebrated with joy and pride the consecration of the new Cathedral of St Peter and the diocesan offices, destroyed by the tsunami on 2 April 2007. Representatives of all the parishes attended the moving ceremony of consecration greatly appreciated by the faithful.

 Concelebrating with Bishop Bernard O’Grady, bishop emeritus of Gizo, who presided at the Mass and the blessing of the premises were the 4 Bishops  of the 3 dioceses of the Solomon Islands and 11 other priests. Also present were various civil authorities and about 700 of the faithful.

The celebrations had begun the previous evening on Saturday 3 December, with a ceremony at which the past was remembered, the challenges for the present and the prospects for the future recalled. Throughout the weekend the people showed their gratitude, and contributed to the festivities with abundant specially prepared typical dishes.

The new diocesan premises includes the Cathedral of St Peter, a multi-purpose hall,  a youth  centre, a nursery school  and a job-training centre for 60 young people with courses in building, mechanics, electrics and air-conditioning repairs. The building took only four years thanks to the contribution of very many benefactors and the lively interest of the group of Volunteers “Friends of the Solomon Islands Mission” (AMIS) who came from Italy in 4 groups.

“The completion of this project at a time of international economic crisis,” Bishop Capelli said, “has been made  possible thanks to the combination of missionary efforts and work from every part of the world. The spirit of solidarity has reached the furthest ends of the earth. The faith of Europe is still alive and fruitful in these projects of missionary solidarity.”

Published 09/12/2011