Tetere, Guadalcanal – A historic milestone was celebrated on Monday at Christ the King Parish, Tetere, on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, as Sr. Jennifer Koafanita and Sr. Veronica Kaqeasi became the first Solomon Islanders to profess their vows as sisters of the Daughters of Our Lady of La Pieta.
The joyful ceremony was attended by the Mother Superior General, the La Pieta Sisters, Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, priests, parents, fellow religious, and parishioners.
The Holy Mass was enriched by spirited singing led by Don Bosco RTC students.
In his homily, Archbishop Christopher gave thanks for the gift of the new sisters, for saying YES to the Lord and to do his work, to serve the poor and the sick and reflected on the history of the La Pieta congregation, founded to serve the poor, the sick, and the abandoned, inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the Cross.
He recalled their mission in the Solomon Islands, especially their service at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Tetere, where they care for the sick and the needy with compassion and love.
The Archbishop also reminded the congregation of the presence of nine religious congregations of sisters in the Solomon Islands, whose service strengthens the mission of the Church.
He called upon young men and women to reflect deeply on their own vocation: “The Church needs more sisters, brothers, and priests,” he said, urging the youth to open their hearts to God’s call.
Both sisters shared their joy after making their vows. Sr. Jennifer Koafanita said she was “filled with gratitude to God for calling me to this path of service.”
She wished to dedicate her life to serving the poor, sick, and needy with the love of Christ. Sr. Veronica Kaqeasi described the day as “a dream fulfilled, to belong completely to the Lord” and entrusted her journey to Our Lady of Sorrows, praying to remain faithful to her vocation.
This historic profession marks a significant milestone for the La Pieta Sisters in the Solomon Islands and for the Church, inspiring hope for future vocations and continued service in God’s vineyard.
The celebration concluded with feasting of thanksgiving, as families, fellow religious, and parishioners rejoiced in this new chapter of the La Pieta Sisters’ mission in the Solomon Islands.
– Catholic Communication Solomons
