Nikumaroro Catholic Community chose the feast of the conversation of St. Paul – 25th January to be the Patron Saint feast of their new Church.
Bishop Capelli in his homily, called on the Catholic families and community of Nikumaroro to follow the example of St. Paul who was a great persecutor of Christians but through the word of God he was called and became the great model of change - a total conversion of heart to a new person. He encouraged the community to seek the healing power of God as a community in prayer in their new Chapel. The new chapel should be the centre of your community unity in prayer and work.
Brief Background.
Speaking on behalf of Nikumaroro Catholic Community, Mr. John Teruka, highlighted his community’s journey of faith in materializing their dream of a place of worship together.
In the past with their small number, Catholic families of Nikumaroro celebrate Sunday Masses and Church events in one of their members’ homes. As years gone by members gradually increased and the need to have a Church building becomes urgent.
It was in 2007, with the strong initiative of the landlord Mr. Barieti Koata and the support of his family and Catholic Community of Nikumaroro and Wagina Catholic Parishioners the building construction begun. The builder the late Mr. Maio Tebuaita, a renowned builder with a kind heart took the lead in constructing the Church building with the assistance of fellow Church members. In early November 2009, Mr. Maio Tebuaita was called to rest, leaving the work he committed to complete to the hands of his son-in-law who took over the task as chief builder and tirelessly worked hard to its completion.
Challenges & Successes:
The mentality of each member challenged them to foresee, whether they will be able to complete the Church building before they begin. Considering the access to building materials, workers and transport greatly challenged them. Even during the progress of construction work, problems of weather, shortage of manpower,damaging work of white ants and being distant from much need materials and resources continued to be experienced.
Despite of the many challenges, the Community never gives up and with the support rendered by the different communities of Wagina and relatives in Honiara, the Church Building was completed. Many people gave their time voluntarily and through prayers and moral support the work progress well to its completion.
Acknowledgments
Mr. John B Teruka, on behalf of the community thank the Most Rev. Luciano Capelli sdb of the Diocese of Gizo, Priests & Religious, United Church & SDA ministers and their people and the Parishioners of Wagina Parish for the support and part of the celebration.
The occasion marks one of the most important achievements of the Catholic Church members of Nikumaroro village – consecration of their new Church building.
Your presence has made this occasion truly a remarkable event that signify a new beginning for the Catholic members of Nikumaroro community. You have brought smiles, happiness, humility and faith to our home.
Special thanks to Mr. Barieti Koata & Family who are the source of this journey of faith building.
Mr . Ken & family of Auspac, Honiara for their great generous support through finance, provision of food and materials and other kind assistance. Frs. Stephen Kamoa OP, Jeffery Puritau & Albert Kalu for words of encouragements, prayers and moral support to see the completion of the church building over the years and finally to the good people of Sacred Heart Parish, Wagina for the support and hard work that was witness today.
The day ended with feasting, speeches, entertainments and cutting of the celebrations cake in honor of St. Paul the Patron saint of the Community Chapel.
35 participants representing their parish (Wagina, Moli, Sirovanga, Nila, Gizo and Noro) have completed a 5 days seminar from 10th to 14th May at Wagina Parish Cookson. Mostly are females and some of them are youths and kindergarten teachers.
The Seminar mainly was to teach participants on sounding of the letters and constructing words out from those soundings.
However, as it was a Pidgin spoken seminar and many words are spelled in Pidgin rather than English. During the seminar they were put in groups for – practicing teacher teaching the class.
The Program was facilitated by Sr. Evangeline DMI from Diocese of Auki with the help of Janet Burabura.
Bishop’s Pastoral visit to Wagina Parish highlights the important of Renewal to the Church of the Diocese of Gizo. On his arrival he was welcomed by the community elders and people from the parish. However, his arrival was unexpected but he was warmly welcomed with entertainment, refreshment and speeches from the church and community elders.
Most Rev, Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb welcomed by the community
Children receiving Confirmationls with Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb.
More than 25 youth from Wagina attended the Education for life program on the 26th to 28th May. Beginning of the days session youths reflect more on Bible readings with sharings which enabled them to speak more on Spiritual Life,which help them to have the opportunity to sit through all sessions through out the 3 days Workshop.
At the end of the program youth had the privilege to give an awareness night to the Tegeagea community where parents had time to encourage each other to put a stop to some of the disadvantage of this entertaining world.
The program was facilitated by the Media worker and the Education for life Coordinator.
Diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands New priest ordained at Wagina
Wagina recently (December 2005) celebrated the Ordination to the Priesthood of Father Laurence Kimaere, the latest local Dominican to be ordained. The celebrations that his people, I-Kiribati migrants here now over 40 years, had arranged for the occasion were truly magnificent with the focus on their own unique traditional dance and song in the Liturgy and feasting and dancing in the Maneaba (Meeting House).
Wagina Parish 
