189 years ago -in the year that the Good Mother died-, the first sscc brothers established a presence in French Polynesia, in particular in the Archdiocese of Papeete, on the island of Tahiti. For their final leg of the canonical visitation to the US Province (Honolulu), Alberto and Derek included a canonical visit to the Region of French Polynesia. The ongoing visit began in Papeete included a meeting with the Regional, Ferry Tobe and with each brother living and working in Pirae.
On the first evening, Derek and Alberto concelebrated at a mass in the local parish church of Holy Trinity. There was also an opportunity the following day to enjoy a special lunch with the community and with Jean Pierre Cottanceau sscc, Archbishop of Papeete.
On Friday the visitors went to the cemetery where our deceased brothers have been laid to rest and later that same day they joined in a mass commissioning new ministers in the Diocese: Extraordinary ministers, catechists, parish coordinators, choir masters and organists. Once again the liturgy was alive and powerful.
Tomorrow (Saturday) is given over to a time of recollection with the secular branch. The meeting will take place in Papara. Alberto will lead the mass of commitment of secular branch members and preach. On Sunday Alberto will preach in the parish at the two masses. On Monday the visitors will take the boat to Moorea to join the brothers who live and work there.
Link to the photo gallery: https://acortar.link/cJrH8w
07/29/2023