Gizo, Solomon Islands: The Saint Louis Guanella community in Noro celebrated the World Day of Persons with Disabilities on 4th December 2021 at the St. Eusebius Parish Gizo, Solomon Islands.
Present for the program were 55 special persons with disabilities who came from Noro, Munda, Canaan and Rawaki villages in the regions of Georgia and Kohingo Islands, who had a warm welcome with garlands. Parents, friends and parishioners were also part of the audience.
Mr. David, former town clerk of Noro was invited as special guest. He began his speech by stressing on the importance of understanding that every person, regardless of their condition or state, had a dignity as an individual human being and should be treated equally. He added that as Christians, it was our Christian duty to love everyone the same because we are all created in the image and likeness of God.
During the program, there were lively performances for entertainment. Singing and dancing items were also presented by some of the special children. Each child also received a gift for Christmas.
The day presented the opportunity for all to also reflect on “give bread and the Lord to everybody” which is the summary of what the Pope puts as the foundation for all human beings, no matter what their state of life and health be. Our children, our old persons are the beneficiaries of this renewed effort encouraged by the Pope in the Church. They are the category of brethren that the Lord has entrusted to our care to help them become aware of the value of their dignity as children of God, and to announce to the world the sacredness of every human life and the right for every person to live, though limited, to be recognized.
Ultimately, the special program for people with disabilities was a witness of faith alive in action episodes here at Noro through the spirit of St. Louis Guanella with the Good Samaritan approach through charitable acts toward the needy brethren.
The St. Louis community has also initiated a group called the Guanella Good Samaritan group where they see to carrying out charitable programs for the most needy and vulnerable members of the society.