The Congregation, at the hands of the Provincial, Herman Gomes, joyfully accepted the vows of the two Novices of the United States Province. After an intense year of discernment with Novice Master, Fr. Pat Fanning and Socius, Fr. Jerry Holland (also assisted by Fr. Martin O’Loghlen and Fr. Patrick Crowley) in Hemet, California, the two young men were ready and willing to commit their lives to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The ceremony took place at the regularly scheduled Sunday Mass (8 December) at Holy Name of Mary Parish in La Verne, California.
Lomano Fifita, 51, is from the Island nation of Tonga. He came from a family of 12. His father and two older brothers are deceased; his mother is alive and well. He was drawn to the Congregation having known our men in Tonga. It was there that he also learned the charism and spirituality of the SSCC. He is impressed that members of the Congregation live a very simple lifestyle; he is also inspired by the life of Fr. Damien of Molokai.
Soane Siua, 22, is from American Samoa and is of Tongan descent. His parents and 4 siblings live in the South Pacific. He first leaned of the Congregation in Tonga when the community established a mission there. After he moved to Hawaii, he became better acquainted with SSCC and, like Lomano, was moved and inspired by the life of Fr. Damien.
More photographs can be seen by clicking this link: https://bit.ly/2YDM6HQ
12/11/2019