Religious groups - CathNews New Zealand https://cathnews.co.nz Catholic News New Zealand Sun, 10 Jun 2012 23:54:08 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://cathnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-cathnewsfavicon-32x32.jpg Religious groups - CathNews New Zealand https://cathnews.co.nz 32 32 70145804 12 young North Malaitans have become Muslims https://cathnews.co.nz/2012/06/12/12-young-north-malaitans-have-become-muslims/ Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:30:39 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=27201

The Muslim religion has been established in the south and east of Malaita for some time. Now 12 young people in North Malaita have become Muslims. John Kiri, National broadcaster SIBC correspondent in North Malaita said 12 young people from the Bita'ama area had converted. The group told Kiri that being a Muslim means to Read more

12 young North Malaitans have become Muslims... Read more]]> The Muslim religion has been established in the south and east of Malaita for some time.

Now 12 young people in North Malaita have become Muslims.

John Kiri, National broadcaster SIBC correspondent in North Malaita said 12 young people from the Bita'ama area had converted.

The group told Kiri that being a Muslim means to surrender and Islam means peace.

A team of Muslim senior figures from Honiara visiting the newly converted young men said as a Muslim they must not covet other people's goods or properties. They must also not steal, kill, hate or tell lies.

The United States Department of State's International Religious Freedom Report, published in 2007, stated that according to the most recent reports, 92% of the population of the Solomon Islands were Christians. There were approximately 350 Muslims.

 

Source

12 young North Malaitans have become Muslims]]> 27201 Seminarian makes his vows https://cathnews.co.nz/2011/05/06/seminarian-makes-his-vows/ Thu, 05 May 2011 19:00:45 +0000 http://cathnews.co.nz/?p=3603

There may have been a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey on Friday, April 29 which captured the world's media attention but for those at Marist Seminary, Auckland there was only one celebration on their minds. On Saturday April 30 at St Annes Manurewa, seminarian Petero Chanel Aparama Matairatu SM made his perpetual profession in the Read more

Seminarian makes his vows... Read more]]> There may have been a royal wedding at Westminster Abbey on Friday, April 29 which captured the world's media attention but for those at Marist Seminary, Auckland there was only one celebration on their minds. On Saturday April 30 at St Annes Manurewa, seminarian Petero Chanel Aparama Matairatu SM made his perpetual profession in the Society of Mary. Fr Philip Cody SM, deputy provincial of the Society of New Zealand, received the vows.

Many people commented how moving the ceremony was especially when Petero make his vows. A crack in his voice was clearly audible. It was very emotional, said Philip Bennenbroek, a fourth year seminarian. Brendan Jenke, a first year student commented that it was the moment Petero had been preparing for all his life. He was particularly struck by the words ‘Mary, loving mother I am yours!'

Petero hails from a village in Fiji called Nawi and from the parish of the Holy Cross. The Bishop elect of Rarotonga and former provincial of the Society of Mary in Oceania, Paul Donoghue SM, preached at the Mass. Petero is a member of the Province of Oceania of the Society of Mary. Fr Paul made a wonderful connection with the history of Petero's village, the name of the parish and the profession cross Petero would receive during the ceremony. The story about a battle between the Fijians and Tongans brought a few smiles to the congregation.

The presentation of the Tabua, whale's tooth, during the ceremony was particularly moving and memorable. It is an expression of honour and was presented by Petero's family, seated around him, formally handing him over to the Society of Mary. Fr Phil Cody held the Tabua for all to see and Fr Michael Wooler SM, parish priest of St Anne's, replied to the family on behalf of the Society.

Petero will continue his studies at Marist Seminary and Good Shepherd College awaiting dates for his ordination to diaconate and priesthood. His ordination to the priesthood will take place in Fiji.

Source:

Christopher Skinner

Image: Philip Cody

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