Solomon IslandsIn 1956 the Dominican Sisters of Australia established a mission in the Solomon Islands in conjunction with the Dominican Friars. As at May 2008, there are 24 Professed Sisters in the Vicariate, and five novices and three postulants in the Novitiate.
Click on the Solomon Islands above for a more detailed map (opens in a new page)
Changes in the Catholic Diocese of Gizo, Solomon Islands The Catholic Diocese of Gizo extends through the Western and Choiseul Provinces and part of Isabel Province. The Gospel Good News was first brought to the Shortland Islands in 1889 by German Marist priests. At this time, the Shortlands and Choiseul were part of North Solomons, and under German rule. The Marist priests were helped by Marist sisters and lay catechists. Methodist missionaries arrived in 1902 and the Seventh Day Adventists in 1914. Between 1942-45, four Marist priests and two Sisters were executed by the Japanese in North Solomons. After World War II, congregations in Australia were asked to help rebuild and work in schools and clinics in the Asia-Pacific region. The Gizo Diocese was formed in 1956. The Dominican Order was asked to provide priests and the foundation was a joint one, including Dominican Sisters and lay missionaries. They built on the foundations laid by the Marists. Bishop Eusebius Crawford was the first Bishop of Gizo. He was a gentle Irish Dominican. By his respect for others of different faiths, he helped overcome prejudice. Different church leaders were able to see themselves as partners in God’s work. The first Solomon Islands Dominican Sisters were professed in 1972; the first Dominican Brothers in 1974. The ‘grass-roots’ of the diocese is found in the villages, with their catechists, village churches and active communities. Bishop Crawford retired in 1995. He was succeeded by Bishop Bernard O’Grady who had spent many years in the Diocese in its early days. Bishop Chris Cardone was consecrated an Auxiliary Bishop in 2001 and then appointed as the Catholic Bishop of Auki in 2004. Each Bishop has been a leader in his own way – different gifts, but the same goal: love of God and neighbour, in and through the church communities. Bishop Bernard has encouraged local lay leadership through the Better World Movement and family programmes. In many villages, a Kinders building and teachers are there because of Bishop Chris. In July last year, there were celebrations in Gizo marking the 50 years of Dominican presence in the Gizo Diocese. A book Presim, Blesim, Prisim – To praise, to bless, to preach – is a pictorial record of some of the highlights of the past 50 years. There are now 24 local Dominican Sisters in the Solomons. Most are in teaching, nursing and pastoral work. Some are studying and helping in the formation of others. There are seven local Dominican priests, six brothers and six young men studying to become priests. The priests and brothers are in pastoral work, formation and teaching. One is lecturing at the seminary at Tenaru. Others are in PNG. There is one Australian ‘olo’ Dominican left now on Loga – Fr John McKenna. Bishop Bernard O'Grady completed his time in the Solomon Islands in October 2007, and returned to Australia. It was hard for him to leave the Solomons after so many years of ministering there, but he knew it was time to go, and the people would always remember him and pray for him. A new chapter in the life of the local church begins now with the appointment of bishop-elect Luciano Capelli, whom the people of Gizo have warmly welcomed with great ceremony. There are many languages and peoples in the Western and Choiseul provinces. Church celebrations are enriched by their songs, customs and faith commitment. The earthquake and tsunami have posed a great challenge to the people of the Gizo Diocese and their relatives and friends. The first phase of damage assessment is nearly finished. Trauma counsellors have been trained from among those affected by disaster. They are now to help others. The next few years will be ones of rebuilding, not only houses, clinics and schools but communities. It is a time for the churches, government and non-government leaders to work even more closely with each other. It will take time, but it also needs wisdom and justice. People need secure land to rebuild. Children and teachers need to be back in school; clinics rebuilt. Out of the losses, new life can come, like the coconuts sprouting in the ruins of Nusabaruku. Rose Mary Kinne op June 2007 updated May 2008 Links:
Teresa, Veronica, Jacqui and Patti on their Final Profession Day 2004 |
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© Dominican Sisters of Eastern Australia & the Solomon Islands |
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