BY DESMOND RAHE
The Sa’a Community in Honiara gathered in celebration on Sunday, July 27, to mark the Feast of St Barnabas at the St Nicholas Primary School Hall.
The celebration concluded with a feast and performances by the Maniaha community, bringing smiles to everyone in attendance. The event left a lasting memory for the Sa’a community and their guests—one that highlighted faith, fellowship, and the power of coming together.
Although the official Feast Day falls on June 11, the community decided to hold the celebration later so that more people could attend. The day brought together families, friends, and members of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana (DOSMS) in Malaita province, including the Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev Rickson Maomaoru, and clergy members.
The event began at 11:30 am with a Holy Communion service led by Fr Edmond Teleka, Mission Secretary of the Diocese of Southern Malaita and Sikaiana. Fr Hugh Blessing delivered the sermon for the occasion.
The day also included the commissioning of the Diocese’s infrastructure and fundraising committees, marking a significant moment in the community’s efforts to support the Diocesan Cathedral Church at Sa’a Village in Small Malaita.
Chairman of the Sa’a Community, Walter Lent Sinehanue, expressed his gratitude to all who joined the celebration.
“I welcome you all to celebrate with us Sa’a Honiara Community in this festival day of St Barnabas,” he said.
“I was very happy to see friends and family coming to celebrate with us, especially those from our DOSMS Diocese living here in Honiara.”
Sinehanue encouraged the community to continue working together to strengthen support for church projects both in Honiara and back home in Small Malaita.
Also in attendance were members of the Maniaha Anglican Community from East Are’Are, who joined the event for the first time.
Salome Ronia, representing the Maniaha group, shared her appreciation.
“We Maniaha family members also acknowledge the Sa’a Honiara Community for the wonderful celebration,” she said.
“We are really happy to be part of the celebration—it’s our first time joining, and we look forward to future engagements.”
