Dominican Volunteers

Earlier in the year the Sisters invited Warren and Clare to assist Archbishop Chris and the Solomon Island Sisters with a few administrative tasks and to work with a school for deaf teenagers.

“We have previously worked for the Dominican Sisters in two of their organisations – St Lucy’s School, Wahroonga and Catherine Sullivan Centre, Strathfield. We were aware of the Sisters work in the Solomon Islands and were keen to support them. We stayed in the Solomon Islands for two week”.

“In the first few days we celebrated the feast of St Catherine with the broad Dominican Community. We also met with Archbishop Chris Cardone OP, who was most inspiring. The Archbishop is one with the people and clearly loved by them”.

   Working in the carpentry shed

“We travelled to San Isidro Centre, Aruligo with Archbishop Chris. This is centre where teenagers and adults who are deaf learn language, literacy, Auslan and a trade. It is staffed by inspiring, dedicated teachers who are focussed on positive outcomes and improving opportunities in the lives of those students who attend. We were able to make a range of recommendations for Archbishop Chris”.

“Our second week was in Honiara with the Dominican Sisters. We performed a variety of tasks including supporting the young Sisters with their studies and essay writing, driving people to commitments and setting up a practical filing system that will work into the future. We also visited Fr Brian, a Vincentia priest at Good Shepherd Red Beach Parish. He and his fellow priests are working hard to build up their parish and develop a school for families in great need”.

Warren and Clare with staff and students at San Isidro

“Our time was rewarding and enjoyable. The Honiara community of Dominican Sisters were warmly welcoming. It was a delight to be part of their community life”.