CATHOLIC Church of Solomon Islands on Thursday 1st Mach welcomed two new deacons at Holy Cross Cathedral. This is after years of struggle and spiritual training at the Holy Name of Mary Seminary at Tenaru in east Honiara.
They were Deacon Joseph Tsoumate from Tangarare parish and Patson Malulu from Purepure village of Avuavau Parish in south Guadalcanal.
Speaking during his homily the main celebrant, His Grace Archbishop Christopher Michael Cardone (OP) welcomed the new deacons in the ministry.
“I welcome you my two beloved brothers in the ministry of deacon a footstep that brings you closer to become a priest to serves God’s people”, the Archbishop said.
He also highlighted the nine words that the deacon has to follow to be a good person in the ministry of deacon.
“Deacons must be effective in action, gentle in ministry and constant in prayer”, the archbishop said.
He said the word deacon comes from the word servant and to be a follower of Christ deacons should do their work effectively and actively.
He said in the ministry of deacon you are call to work for world and Communities and ready to meet the people daily and visit the sick and age people in the hospital and homes.
He added, the effective in action means that the work of the deacon is not to relax but to involve in the Ministries of the Church and face action and make initiatives.
The church leader also encouraged the parishioners to spare time to pray for the deacons to strengthen their work in the Communities and parishes that they will serve and called on the people to invite the new deacons to visit their Communities and celebrate Mass in their homes.
He then acknowledged the seminarian priests who administer the spiritual training institution at Holy name of Mary seminary and relatives and supporters of the two ordained deacons for allowing the duo to take up their studies in the spiritual society.
He also acknowledged the parishioners, and relatives for the preparation of the program and the liturgy groups for the beautiful song sung during the celebration.
The deacons will be ordained into priesthood in December 2018.
BY CAMILLUS KOLE
CATHOLIC PRESS
