It might be the festive season, but the Roman Catholic Church of Tangarare Parish in West Guadalcanal had other reasons to celebrate.
On Saturday 12th December, a priesthood ordination program was held for Deacon Clement Netana of Zone 5 of the Tangarare Parish.
Hundreds of parishioners attended the program, other denominations in Tangarare also joined the ordination program.
The colourful two-day event featured a re-enactment of the arrival of the Catholic church in Tangarare. The South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) men’s matching band were also part of the program, leading the procession to the church for the ordination program.
Deacon Clement Netana was accompanied by traditional dancers inside the church, with the main ordination service being conducted by the most Rev. Archbishop Christopher Michael Cardone.
Archbishop Cordone says that in the ministry of deacon one must celebrate and observe the life of Christ faithfully in their service to the Church.
“Fr Clement Netana you are chosen by God to work in his church and to serve his people, to carry out the work of God.
“Always believe that God will always help you in your work as you serve his people,” Archbishop Cordone told the newly ordained priest.
Fr Clement Netana was born on 11th September 1985 in his home village of Tanasali, in Marasa, West Guadalcanal. He has been a faithful member of the Tangarare Parish, although most of his family are from the Anglican and SSEC church.
He started school at the Mbabanakira CHS, with much of his secondary education at the Tangarare PSS and Goldie college from 2001 -2008.
Having completed his secondary schooling, he enrolled at the Holy Name of Mary Seminary at Tenaru East of Honiara from 2012-2019, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in theology.