Blessing and Dedication of the Catholic Church of St. Francis Xavier in Laura, Majuro

At the crossroad leading to Laura Beach and the Ball Park stands the new and beautiful Catholic Church dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. The Holy Mass, blessing and dedication took place last June 23, 2013 at 3:00 P.M. Very many visitors graced the occasion. Among them were his Excellency President Christopher J. Loeak and First Lady Lieom Anono Loeak; Parliament Speaker Donald Capelle and Mrs. Rosita Capelle; Former President Kessai Note and Mrs. Mary Note; several ministers and senators and their ladies; various organization officers and members; Catholic parish and prayer leaders from Jaluit, Likiep, Arno, Kwajalein, Ailinglaplap (Bouj & Woja), Wotje, Namdrik, Majuro and many more.

The Holy Mass and the church blessing were presided by the Prefect Apostolic Fr. Ray T. Sabio, MSC and concelebrated by the MSC priests: Fr. Tito Maratas, Fr. Ariel Galido, Fr. Yoseph Rettob and Fr. Tetoaiti Tokanikai. Rev. Deacon David Suley assisted the church ceremonies. Deacon David and Mrs. Arceli Suley came from Washinton D.C. They are the resource leaders for the retreat and workshop for the parish and prayer leaders which commenced last June 19 and will end on June 30, 2013 at Ajeltake Catholic Pastoral Center.

It is good to note that this church is dedicated to a great missionary priest of the Society  of Jesus, St. Francis Xavier. As a missionary, he tirelessly proclaimed the faith in India, Indonesia (very probably also in Mindanao) and Japan. He wanted to go to China but sickness prevented him and he died in the island of Sancian near the coast of mainland China. St. Francis Xavier is considered the greatest missionary since the time of the Apostles because of his extensive missionary travels and work. Hopefully, under the patronage of St. Francis Xavier may young men and women respond to the call of the Lord to serve him in priesthood, in brotherhood, sisterhood, deaconate and prayer leadership.
 

The Catholic community of Laura wholeheartedly thanked all those who helped in the construction of the church; and likewise sincerely thank all those who took time to be present in the blessing ceremony and Holy Mass.