On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Catholic Church of Solomon Islands and the faithful of Holy Name of Mary Tanaghai Parish gathered in great numbers to witness a historic moment of grace and thanksgiving as His Grace, Archbishop Christopher M. Cardone, OP, solemnly dedicated and blessed the newly constructed church building.
Assisted by his brother priests from the Marist Society, Salesians, and Diocesan clergy, the Archbishop led a deeply reverent and joy-filled liturgical celebration. The occasion was further honored by the presence of religious sisters and brothers, Honourable Minister for Northwest Guadalcanal Francis Sade and his wife, benefactors, parishioners, and Christians from neighboring communities.
The dedication ceremony included the blessing of the Statue of Mary, the consecration of the new church building, the anointing of the altar, the laying of the altar stone, and the solemn unveiling, blessing, and dedication of the tabernacle. Adding to the significance of the day, over one hundred children received their First Holy Communion, joyfully partaking in the Bread of Life for the first time.
The liturgy was beautifully led by Dala Parish, enhancing the solemnity and spiritual depth of the celebration.
In his homily, Archbishop Cardone drew upon the wisdom of Pope St. John Paul II, encouraging the faithful to embrace their faith with gratitude, enthusiasm, and hope. He called upon the community to remember with deep appreciation the missionary legacy of the Marists in the Solomon Islands, whose sacrifices laid the foundations for the local Church. He exhorted the congregation to live the present with joy and devotion, celebrating the vibrancy of their faith through sacred music, liturgical participation, and communal unity.
Despite the rain, the faithful stood resolute, manifesting their unwavering trust in God’s providential care. Looking forward, the Archbishop reminded the people that hope is the anchor of Christian life, rooted in the love of Jesus Christ. He urged all Catholics to prioritize their spiritual journey, fostering a commitment to prayer, worship, and evangelization.
Archbishop Cardone also highlighted that the new church stands as a beacon of faith and hospitality, inviting all to find solace and spiritual nourishment at any time. He encouraged the parish to ensure that the doors of the church remain open for all who seek the presence of God in prayer, whether in the stillness of the morning, afternoon, or night.
Fr. Jacob Aba, SM, Parish Priest of Tanaghai Church, expressed gratitude to the community, benefactors, and the dedicated construction team whose efforts made the completion of the church possible. He acknowledged the artisans who created the sacred images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as well as the devoted mothers of the parish for their tireless support. Recalling the vision he and the late Fr. Gerry, SM, shared for this church, he testified that despite financial constraints, divine providence guided their mission to completion.
“This church is a testament to what we can achieve when we come together in faith and love,” Fr. Jacob remarked. “Many people build beautiful homes for themselves, but it is also essential to build a welcoming house for God. I am deeply grateful to all who contributed to making this dream a reality.”
The Chairman of the new church building committee also shared on the journey of the project. “In early 2022, Fr. Jacob Aba became our new parish priest, and under his leadership, the project gained new momentum. With his guidance, we secured the initial partnership with Tongs Cooperation & E Hardware, allowing us to do the groundbreaking on June 6, 2022. From that moment on, this dream began to take shape, and today, I stand in the fruit of your labor, sacrifices, and God's grace.”
He continued, “This moment marks a new chapter for The Holy Name of Mary Tanaghai Parish. But we must first honor the past. Fifty-six years ago, our forefathers dedicated the old church, which became a spiritual home for worship, baptism, marriages, and community gatherings.”
The Chairman further noted, “This project, initially estimated to cost around 2 to 3 million dollars, has seen its value increase to approximately 4.5 to 5 million dollars due to numerous changes in materials and designs along the journey. Yet, despite these increasing costs, I am proud to announce that around 60 to 70% of this project was made possible through your charitable support. Without your dedication, sacrifices, and contributions, this church would not be standing here today.”
The dedication of the new Holy Name of Mary Church stands as a vibrant testament to the unwavering faith and commitment of the Tanaghai Catholic community. As they continue their spiritual journey, this sacred place will serve as a sanctuary of worship, fellowship, and hope for generations to come.
コメント