Newly ordained deacons of the Diocese of Auki with their bishop:from left Desmond, Victor and Charles.
June 26th: The National Priests Gathering for the Solomon Islands concluded appropriately with the ordination of three young men as deacons. Charles, Desmond and Victor from the Diocese of Auki joined their brothers Stephen (Gizo Diocese), Peter and Bellasio (Honiara Archdiocese) who were ordained earlier in the year. At Christmas the Church of the Solomon Islands will have six new priests, a more than 10% increase in the number of diocesan priests .
Fr. Tom preached the homily for this Mass of ordination and the conclusion of the retreat. He urged the new deacons and all the priests present to live according to the threefold responsibilities of a their ordination: SERVING the Church and the people of God, DOING the work of God proper to their ministry, and, most importantly, BEING men of prayer and charity who live holy lives with integrity.
Desmond pledges his allegiance to the Bishop.
Through the laying on of hands, symbol of the apostolic tradition handed down through the bishops, Victor is consecrated as a deacon.
Charles assists at the altar for the first time, raising the chalice during the Great Amen.
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