Noro Parish- Diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands
Noro Parish is located on the island of New Georgia. It is several hours by fast motorised canoe from Gizo. Noro is best known for its deep water port and the fish cannery, which is much smaller than in previous years. The population is moderately itinerant due to the varying employment opportunities in shipping, the cannery and related areas.
"I rejoiced when I heard them say ‘Let us go to God’s house and now our feet are standing within your gates O Jerusalem’ Ps 122: 1-2."
After years of challenge and hardwork the Catholic Community at Noro, Western Province, Solomon Islands, proudly witnessed the fruit of their efforts –as they dedicated their new church building on 6th February, 2005 at 9am at which over 2000 people were present.
A brief history In 1995 – the catholic community at Noro numbering about 1000, requested the Bishop Bernard O’Grady op, Bishop of Gizo for a resident priest. The town clerk was most happy and told the newly appointed Fr. Chris Cardone op, that the catholic boys and girls are ‘cowboys and cowgirls’ and it was good that he was there to tame them. Gradually the youth became actively engaged in youth actives- sports, music and cultural activates. They joined other church groups and held events and programmes. The celebration of the Eucharist, Baptisms and marriages increased.
“Fund raising for the new church building commenced in 1995”, stated Chris Evo, the present sub-parish chairman. In 2000, the community was ready to start the church building – but the ethnic tension and the coup scattered people. With the return of peace and the restarting of the cannery the building committee was formed on 7th March, 2004. The groundbreaking ceremony was performed by Fr. Kevin Toomey op on 13th June, 2004. “The mobilized and united community lent a hand in whatever they could”, added Chris Evo.
“Observing the work from across the road, we could not but admire the community spirit these past months that has resulted in building the church in ‘quick time’, commented Karen Jacob, Assembly of God, Noro.
“We were happy and excited about our parish church, where we have spent a large amount of our time. It has strengthened our Catholic faith as we see our work fulfilled. We are inspired us to commit ourselves to church activities”, stated Christina and Peter Isaac enthusiastically.
St. Eusebius Church, Noro Perched on a little hillock, the church overlooks the parish house and the kindy classrooms. The cement and wooden structure can seat about 300 people. It is neatly painted, has a front porch and a choir loft that can accommodate 50 persons. The crucifix sunlit by a huge cross focuses ones attention to Christ. Wooden carved statues of the Blessed mother and St. Joseph adorn the sides of the altar. A fresh breeze constantly blows and keeps the place cool.
‘We would never have thought that a beautiful church would be built on this rock’, said Bishop Bernard O’Grady, Bishop of Gizo as he addressed the congregation on the blessing of the St. Eusebius church, Noro, Western Province on 6th February, 2005. He thanked Bishop Chris Cardone op, now Bishop of Auki, who was the first priest assigned to Noro in 1992.
The Noro Catholic Community are proud to have their newly built church completed in 8 months. It stands as testimony to their zeal, dedication, hardwork and commitment. The church cost approximately SBD 300,000.00. While a part of the amount has been a gift, the rest has been the contribution of the people. With donations of various kinds – timber, gravel, stones, food, transport, and professional services the catholic community have a very beautiful church to honor and praise their Lord.
“The members of the building committee, professionals in their fields, worked very well and brought their experience and background to the church building, thus seeing to minute details”, stated Francis Tebaia, chairman of the building committee. The committee plans an abolition block, volleyball and basketball court as their next projects.
An ecumenical event Over 2000 people from different churches gathered for the blessing, consecration and the Eucharistic Celebration that commenced at 9am on Sunday 6th February, 2005. All the different Church in Noro cancelled their regular Sunday morning service to fully participate in the Catholic Church blessing. The different groups of the parish animated the well-prepared liturgy. The Gilbertese, Canaan community led the procession from the parish house. Augustine Samasia, project manager Debros Construction and the builders handed over the keys and the top of the tabernacle to Bishop Bernard O’Grady op, who together with Bishop Chris Cardone op, cut the ribbon at the entrance of the church. The gospel procession led by the Areare community had a young lad holding the gospel and carried by four dancers. The Catholic mothers prepared the altar while the Wagina Kiribati community led the offertory procession. Present in the congregation were the various church and government leaders. Different groups traveled the waves to join in praise and thanks to God for His abundant blessings.
“An essential factor of Noro is that cultures and beliefs merge together. The presence of these different groups is a sign of recognition and acknowledgement of each other”, stated Milton Sibisopere, Managing Director, Soltai Fishing and processing Ltd.
Godfrey Manebusa, Chairman of the COM Anglican parish praised the united effort of the community and hopes that their example will inspire others.
“We are building bridges together, that opens the way for our togetherness”, stated Pastor Robert Tapolo, COC pastor.
All the people enjoyed a delicious meal. A lively entertainment of songs, dances and skits then followed.
Past, present and future Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki delivered a very powerful sermon to the congregation at the Eucharistic celebration.
“We give thanks for what has happened in the early years, - a sign of the Holy Spirit, we live in the present with enthusiasm and we look forward with hope to the future’, stated Bishop Chris as he drew examples from the community. He recalled the lively and joyous participation of the youth and the people in services and youth rallies. The community worked and prepared the liturgy with enthusiasm. “Arguments, hatred, jealously….. are the work of the devil, while peace is the way of Christ ”, he stated. “Noro”, he said, “with its different denominations, cultures and customs is a sign of hope sharing the good news with all”. Recalling the words of the Holy Father, he invited people to listen and act upon the gospel message – thus being a light to people of the nation.
“The people have put in a lot of effort to achieve what they have today”, stated Joseph Lalaubatu, Diocesan youth and media coordinator. The corporation of the Noro Township is also commendable, he stated.
“Its within our policy to help local churches acquire sites, stated David Mamupio, Town clerk, Noro Town Council. “The churches are here to stay. They are closer to the people and they are a big help to us. Over the years, young trained people take up responsibility and build up the community. Chris Evo, the present sub parish chairman is a fine example”, he said.
Augustine Samasia, project manager, Debros Construction expressed his joy at the completion of the church building and looks forward to other projects. He cites, High ideals, commitment to work and prayer, no intake of alcohol, drugs and smoking, respect to all persons as most important to achieving their goal. His constant reminder to the boys was a right way of living, not being afraid to do things and the need to get other ex-Vanga students use the skills they have learnt.
The Catholic people of Noro grateful for all the help, support and blessings of all people are indeed A Light for all to see. - Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb
Moli Parish, Diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands
Moli is a Parish, responsible for a number of outlying villages. It is also a Pastoral Centre for the Diocese. Many courses are run here. The Parish Church was built by Fr Ambrose OP. The Church and buildings are situated on the small island of Choiseul which is just 80 metres from the bigger island of Choiseul. It is a very picturesque location with the tide flowing quickly down the channel in one directiopn or the other.
Here are some of the Moli Parishioners at the Spiritualilty Rally at Nila in the Shortland Islands.
Nila Parish- Diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands
Nila is the oldest parish in the Solomons. It was started in 1899 by the Marist Missionaries.
It serves approximately eight surrounding villages, situated on a number of islands.
Above are shown the new Nila Church, which was to have been completed for the 1999 Centenary celebrations but sadly there were defects in the roof design, making it unsafe. It has now been completed.
The previous church (now dismantled) is shown immediately above.
Here we see Fathers Teodoro and Gerome. They are both Missionaries from the Philipines. Fr. Teodoro has returned home and Fr. Gerome has just arrived.
Wagina Parish- Diocese of Gizo in the Solomon Islands
Wagina Parish is located on the island of Wagina, which is a few kilometres South of Choiseul Island. It is a long, wet canoe ride from Gizo from Gizo. Occasionally it is possible to catch a flight to the South end of Choiseul and then take a canoe to Wagina. The people of Wagina are almost entirely of Kiribati origin and have successfully merged aspects of Solomons and Kiribati culture. At the moment, the Parish is served part time byone of the two Malaitan priests who are on loan from the Auki Diocese in Malaita.
Noro Parish
"I rejoiced when I heard them say ‘Let us go to God’s house and now our feet are standing within your gates O Jerusalem’ Ps 122: 1-2."
Present in the congregation were the various church and government leaders. Different groups traveled the waves to join in praise and thanks to God for His abundant blessings. 
