THE Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) has further strengthened its link with the church through the ordination of one of its officers Sergeant Steven Rukale as Priesthood in the Church of Melanesia in North Guadalcanal on 24 June 2021.
The ordination service coincided with Saint John the Baptist Day at Koli Village in Ghaobata Parish.
Diocesan Bishop of Guadalcanal Rev.Benedict Loe, Bishop’s Chaplain Dr Atkin Zaku and clergies of the parish officiated in the ordination service.
Zaku in his sermon reminds ordained priest Sgt Rukale and congregations that “a priest must be without fault, a priest must be a serious believer, a priest must not be a drunker, a priest not be an arrogant and quick temper and a priest should not be greedy when it comes to money.
Instead, he said a priest should be hospitable, loving, holy and self-control to uphold the truth about the gospel
“The sermon speaks well for today’s celebrations of St John the Baptist and the ordination of Priest Sergeant Steven Rukale,” Zaku said.
Newly ordained priest, Sergeant Steven Rukale says he was humbled and gave thanks and praise to the Almighty God for the gift of faith and for the gift of ordination.
“The gift I received this morning is not for myself, but for serving the people of God and beloved Solomon Islands to help spread the message of peace in the church of God,” Rukale said.
“The church is the people that officers of the CSSI serve,” he added.
“Being a priesthood and correctional officer make no difference as both the church and Corrections work for peace.
“Yet my ordination as a priest will further strengthen the bonds between the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the CSSI.
“It will certainly broaden my interaction with the church congregation to be law abiding citizens when they serve God.”
Sergeant Rukale holds a graduate Diploma in Theology and Sociology from the Bishop Patteson Theological College (BPTC) Extension.
He joined the CSSI in 2014 and promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2019 and currently posted at Tetere Correctional Centre as Coordinator for Commercial Enterprise.
Meanwhile, CSSI Deputy Commissioner Michael Nagu thanked Bishop Loe, clergies, traditional leaders, elders, women and youth of Ghaobata Parish for their support to Sergeant Rukale. – CSSI Press
