Monsignor Patrick Edward O’Connor, long-time parish priest and first Superior of the ‘Missio Sui Iuris’ of Tokelau, one of the most isolated places on earth, died at the St Joseph’s Home of Compassion at Silverstream in New Zealand, on Wednesday 3rd December. Pat got to know the Tokelau people through the migrant Tokelau community that Read more
Christianity is strong in the region of Melanesia and the church could play a role in influencing people and combatting the belief in witchcraft says Cassaundra Rangip, co-founder of an anti-witchcraft non-government organisation in Papua New Guinea. She says a recent case of witchcraft related hangings in Vanuatu had raised fears that the phenomenon had Read more
Archbishop Peter Chong recently attended the inauguration of the Universal Meditation Centre in Nadi, Fiji. In his address he said there needs to be room for inter-religious dialogue so that religious faiths and traditions are shared and learning takes place. Chong said God was universal and meditation was a universal practice among the different faiths. Read more
The Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA) has joined Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) in calling on the Governor General to set aside the date for the election of Prime Minister as soon as possible. SICA’s general secretary, Holmes Saeve said they supported FSII’s call because an early election is important to avoid “grass hopping” by Read more
The six missionary Holy Spirit Sisters (SSpS) on the staff of Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang will celebrate 115 years in Papua New Guinea on 8 December. Two of the early teaching sisters, Sr Inez Strobl (now at Alexishafen) and Sr Edith Thies (Malala) will be special guests of honour, along with Sr Heline Read more
Marist Brothers Donald Texeiria and Kevin O’Malley are in American Samoa to conduct an assessment of the local Catholic school system. The review includes classrooms, campus grounds, and the curriculum. They have been asked to undertake this review by the Bishop of Pago Pago, Peter Brown. Both of the Brothers have a long association with Catholic Read more
To link church leaders with stewardship, the Locally Managed Marine Area Network in Fiji (FLMMA) has gone to the source: working directly with colleges that train Methodist pastors. This strategy started about five years ago with the largest Methodist seminary in Fiji. Theology colleagues there have begun to integrate resource management into their curriculum. Priests Read more
Archbishop Peter Chong encouraged graduates of Montfort Boys Town last weekend to continue with the hard work when they join the career world. He told the 45 graduates in carpentry, cabinet-making and automotive that the life story of Thomas Edison, inventor of batteries, electric lights and power, set a challenge for everyone to do better in Read more
The Vanuatu Christian Council has condemned the hanging of two suspected sorcerers on the island of Akaham in South Malekula. The general secretary of the Council, Shem Temar, told Radio Australia International that pastors are supposed to promote Christian values which includes respect for human life. He said more information was needed before he could comment Read more
Police have arrested suspects on the island of Akaham in South Malekula in Vanuatu following the killing of two people over allegations of sorcery and witchcraft. Those arrested include church pastors and customary chiefs. According to the Daily Post, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, John Taleo, has described the killings as brutal and unlawful murders. Read more