Assumption Day Praise around Parishes.
The celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary has been praised, and many have noted the progress and enthusiasm of our mothers, who participated in the solemnity from August 15 to 17.
A Visit from Italian Friends.
A short visit, yet a reminder of the bond we share, established by our Emeritus Italian bishop, Bishop Emeritus Luciana Capelli—a Solo Heart made in Italy, as Fr. Soloko recalled.
MAST Project Again Welcome, Diocese of Gizo.
Again, the Diocese of Gizo was blessed with the MAST project to host five Marianist missionaries from the USA, who arrived safely in the Diocese beginning this month of July.
They include Bro. Michael McAward CHS ‘76, Bro. Patrick Cahill CHS ‘11, Matt Mormondo KMHS ‘22, Angel Jimenez CHS ‘22, Aidan Weber CHS ’23, and they are accompanied by Fr. Mark Misiwasi from the Archdiocese of Honiara, who coordinated the program.
They spent four days with our Catholic teachers, studying Scripture, prayer, liturgy, and defending our faith.
Participants are teachers from St. Eusebius Noro and St. Peter Gizo (Teacher includes PPY, Sunday school, Primary, Secondary, and Training schools).
The MAST Project was launched at the generous invitation of Bishop Christopher Cardone OP (now Archbishop) of Catholic Auki. So, in 2003, our diocese welcomed two Marianist Brothers from New York as part of the MAST initiative. Since then, we've welcomed them each year. Unfortunately, the program was halted here in our diocese during the rehabilitation period following the 2007 earthquake and tsunami.
MAST stands for Marianist Apostolic & Spiritual Training. The program focuses on making teachers aware that they are key to spreading the Gospel of Christ in their classrooms, villages, and communities. Therefore, time is spent strengthening the pillars of faith that will empower them as Catholic educators. (Br. Roger and Br. John. MAST Program 2009 Gizo).
Priest Retreat Successful to Its Completion.
Thirteen of our priests from the parishes completed their week-long retreat, which began on June 15th at St. Joseph's Parish, Moli. 
One of the Indian priests who served at Noro Parish expressed his gratitude, saying that it was their time to recharge their spiritual lives, distance themselves a bit from their ministry, and spend time with the Lord.
Fr. Charles remarked that the venue was an excellent choice, a very quiet place they discovered, surrounded by beautiful nature.
He also noted that the location helps create the mood for the retreat, enhanced by the hospitality of the parish community, who generously catered meals with cheerful hearts.
The retreat was led by Fr. Henry Paroi, who continually reminded the priests of their identity and purpose. It focused on reflections, prayer, meditation, and more.
And the gathering provided an opportunity for the parishioners to observe and feel the presence of all the priests from different parishes.
Weekend Education Seminar, Gizo Parish.
On the third weekend of May 2025, a Teachers' Seminar for Catholic teachers at the Jerome Kuibatu Spiritual Center, Betania, Gizo parish, was conducted, highlighting numerous significant pieces of information regarding legislative matters from our provincial and national education bodies.
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Specifically, one of the educational pillars that influences attendees during the two-day event is the Education Act 2023.
Fr. Henry Paroi's presentation, which integrated educational elements from Catholic doctrine, was another significant contribution during the introduction.
Participants included teachers from Gizo Primary, Nusabaruku Primary, and PPY schools, and instructors from St. Peter Training School and PPY.
The 2-day seminar was facilitated by Mr. Willy Abito, the new Catholic Education Secretary for the Diocese of Gizo.
A visit to Vonunu PHS, thumbs up for Patere and the team.
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A pastoral visit to St. Nicholas (Vonunu) Provincial High School has been appreciated by many who recognized the importance of having our Catholic students and their staff receive the Word and the Eucharist.
A lot of people praised the program, calling it a blessed visitation, a great blessing, and a great endeavor to continue visiting the flocks.
As Rose recalls, it reminds her of Fr. John McKenna's visit to the school in the 80s to celebrate Mass for the Catholic Students and their teachers.
Thank you also to Fr. Dominic Soloko, who took the privilege of visiting other isolated Catholic communities to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Sr. Ruth Del Pilar Visit to SPUTC.
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Salesian Sister, Sr. Ruth Del Pilar from Italy had her blessed time in the diocese since Friday 17th March.
She was traditionally welcomed upon arrival and was well received by the Salesian Sisters and students from St. Peter UTC.
Spending her time with her family the Salesians Sisters, she had time with them to Orovae Island homestay to share and reflect upon Pope's theme message “Pilgrims of Hope”
On the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Sr. Ruth had the opportunity to encounter the Sunday school children, youth, and Bishop Emeritus, Bishop Luciano Capelli SDB.
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St. Peters Cathedral Gizo welcomes Holy Jubilee.
St. Peters Cathedral in Gizo, Western Province welcomed Holy Jubilee 2025 on Sunday 19th January.
A Global celebration, in which the Pope asked all Catholic Dioceses worldwide to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of going through the Holy Door purposely, to invite pilgrims to cross this sacred threshold and renew their faith. This ritual is associated with plenary indulgence, allowing believers to receive complete forgiveness of temporal penalties.
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Everyone witnessing the occasion had the chance to pass through, while the sacred threshold was left open to invite pilgrims.
Our Bishop explained that this year’s Jubilee theme is “Pilgrims of Hope”, promoting Pilgrim and Hope, and invited everyone around the diocese to make a pilgrim to our Cathedral here in Gizo.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of Gizo, Bishop Peter Houhou.