NEWS BRIEFS
PATS - Request for Proposal
Acting on behalf of Bishop Amando Samo, the Catholic Vicariate of Pohnpei
is accepting proposals for the use of the land and facilities previously
occupied by the Ponape Agriculture and Trade School (“PATS”).
All interested parties may submit proposals to the
Vicariate Office at any time. The Vicariate may request additional information
regarding various proposals during the proposal review process. >>download
full RFP Form (pdf format)
Diocese Celebrates Silver Anniversary
with a New Vision
The month of February brought many forms of celebrations in our Diocese.
From Palau and Yap to Chuuk and Pohnpei, the Diocese of the Caroline
Islands celebrated its 25 years of its life and mission. We have finished
a chapter in our life as Catholics in the Federated States of Micronesia
and the Republic of Palau. We have all the reasons to give thanks and
to celebrate.
At the meeting of the Apostolic Vicars in Chuuk, Bishop
Amando announced the launching of the Carolines
Pastoral Institute (CPI). The Carolines Pastoral Institute
for pastoral action in Chuuk is a center for studies and renewal of
the many generous pastoral agents in the Diocese - the laity, religious,
and ordained ministers. Hence, the CPI aims at giving formation programs
with a missionary slant for pastoral action within the Diocese.
CEPAC Regional Meeting of Bishops
in Chuuk
The Vicariate of Chuuk became the center for the annual meeting of all
the bishops in the region who belong to the conference of bishops in
the Pacific. His Excellency Bishop Amando Samo, D.D. hosted the meeting
in the Diocese as a way to share the vibrant faith life of the Diocese.
The distinguished bishops who attended the meeting included His Excellency
Archbishop Mataca from the Archdiocese of Suva, Fiji who installed Bishop
Amando as a bishop 20 years ago. It also included His Excellency Archbishop
Apuron from the Archdiocese of Agana, Bishop Camacho from the Diocese
of Chalan Kanoa, Guam, and Monsignor Gould, S.J., from the Prefecture
of the Marshall Islands.
Symposium on Church's Mission
Jesuit priest and prolific author and social anthropologist, Fr. Francis
X. Hezel, S.J., the director of Micronesian
Seminar came to Chuuk to lead a symposium on the Church's mission
as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations. Attended by over 40 Church
leaders and lay men and women including the five distinguished bishops
and archbishops whose CEPAC regional annual meeting coincided with the
celebrations, the workshop focused on the last 25 years with a view
of the future, The participants shared their views of where the Church
in the islands is heading and how best to involve everyone in its movement.
A highlight of the workshop included the bishops and
vicars sharing their experiences from their respective dioceses or vicariates
including Fiji, Northern Marianas, Guam, Palau, Pohnpei/Kosrae, the
Prefecture of the Marshall Islands, Yap, and Chuuk. Among the many issues
discussed in the symposium, the following questions were discussed:
How much of the church's energy and time is spent on evangelization
ad extra? What forms of this proclamation may be most effective in our
region or diocese today? Where do we find an audience for this type
of evangelization? Or should we even worry about finding an audience?
Episcopal Vicars Held Annual
Meeting in Chuuk
Coinciding
with the Silver Anniversary of the Diocese, His Excellency Bishop Amando
Samo, D.D. gathered all his vicars from the vicariates of Pohnpei/Kosrae,
Palau, Yap, and Chuuk as part of his annual meeting with them.
Attending the meeting were (as photographed from L-R): Fr. Edumnd Ludwick
(Chuuk), Fr. Rusk Saburo (Palau), Fr. John F. Curran, S.J. (Vicar General),
Fr. John Hagileiram, S.J., (Yap), Fr. David Andrus, S.J. (Pohnpei/Kosrae),
and Fr. Nick Rahoy (Chancellor).
Mercedarian Sister Laid to
Rest
The Diocese mourns the untimely death of Sr. Sinia Paulis, MMB, from
the island of Ettal, Chuuk who died from kidney failure in the Guam
Memorial Hospital . Sr. Sinia who entered the Mercedarian Sisters order
in Saipan was only 38-years old at the time of her death. Her remains
will be flown to Chuuk on Wednesday, February 23rd where she will be
buried along with Sr. Josepha also from Chuuk whose remains were moved
to the new Mercedarian Home in Neotes on Weno, Chuuk. We love you, Sr.
Sinia, and will miss you.
