Closing of Jubilaeum 800 Years Celebration

The Dominican Sisters and Friars celebrated the closing day of the Jubilee together with a Thanksgiving Mass on 5th January, 2017. His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP celebrated the Mass, assisted by Archbishop Emeritus Adrian Smith SM. Priests and Religious from the Diocese, the Salesians, The Daughters of Mary Immaculate and the Marist Sisters attended, along with some families and friends from Honiara.

The liturgy was animated by the Dominican friars and sisters. Archbishop Chris Cardone OP talked about St Dominic, our Founder, and encouraged the Dominicans to continue on the MISSION, and to spread the Good News to all.

Everyone enjoyed the final day of thanksgiving. Lunch was served at the Fathers’ home at Henderson and there was an evening meal together, with dancing and entertainment. The Farewell Song was sung by everyone who had gathered from Nila, Moli, Sirovanga, Voruuoru, Wagina, Gizo, Loga, Rosiena, Jane of Aza, Auki, Tenaru, Henderson, Bomana and Sr Judith our Prioress from Australia. Fr Peter Kombakina OP thanked everyone and closed the day with words of prayer.

The local Dominican friars and sisters had met together for two days before the closing ceremony. There were positive discussions and questions raised about how to strengthen the Melanesian/Micronesian cultures of Respect and Peace in working together as brothers and sisters in the Solomon Islands. The theme was that we are all sent to preach the Gospel, and we wish to search and find ways to work as a pastoral team, when necessary.

Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP also came to talk to the group and encourage the friars and sisters to be more pastoral, to see and meet the needs as they arise in our communities, schools and parishes.