Priesthood ordination, Louna Catholic Church, Russell Islands.
Happy and joyful greetings from the 99 Islands of Russells. Louna is one of its Island and on it, has the largest Catholic community.
In this month of June, on Saturday 8th, We have the celebration of the ordination to the Priesthood of a young man who is of the Russell Islands origin. Infact, he is one young man among the two who received their Deaconate ordinations at Holy Cross cathedral on February 10th this year.
The celebration on 8 th June 2024, is really the great day for the communities in the Russells especially, Alokan, Marolon, Moe and Louna. All gathered together in Louna to celebrate and witness the historical ordination of one of their son into the Priesthood order of the Catholic Church. Archbishop Christopher Michael Cardone O. P. of the Archdiocese of Honiara is the main celebrant of the solemn celebration of the ordination Mass, assisted by 12 of us Priests as con- celebrants. The mass started at 9 am and ended at 11.30 am (S.I, time) and have been witness by many people in the Russells as far as people around in Savo and parts of North west Guadalcanal.
In his sermon during the Mass, the Archbishop said the ordination is a great blessing for the Russells. After so many years, now they have witness one among their own keen who now become Priest and it come about as result to their prayers and faithfulness in the Catholic Church.
After the mass, in Russell cultural style, they put on feasting for all people who come to witness the ordination. They also put on cultural entertainments to make the day alive and interesting. All have enjoyed the time till evening when the program ended and then all have rested for the first mass of the new Priest which he celebrate on Sunday 9 th of June 2024.
With wishes and regards you all!
Yours sincerely in the Risen Christ!
Fr. Albert Kalu