Angela’s Inspiration –
Volunteering in Solomon Islands
Solomon Islands are in the Pacific ocean. The territory is marked here
in orange. There are 992 islands with a population of 597,248.
Angela worked in Aruligo which is on the main island
of Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands.
Looking out of the window of the leaf house where Angela
Murray stayed while working at the San Isidro Care Centre for
the Deaf in Aruligo, Solomon Islands.
A front view of the leaf houses. The students of the
Care Centre for the Deaf have a game of football on
the grass.
Angela felt God was
encouraging her to
do some work in
Solomon Islands, in
particular with the
San Isidro Care
Centre for the Deaf
community. Angela
prayed for guidance.
Angela Murray
A page in a
‘Sign
Language
Book’ used by
the deaf
community.
Cathy teaches
deaf students,
however she does not
have formal training
in teaching of the
deaf.
Here Cathy is
demonstrating sewing
techniques to the
students.
St Paul says to the Romans –
We know that all things work together for good
for those who love God, who are called
according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Solomon Islands needs help to train teachers like
Cathy, so that there are more trained people
available and therefore more students will have
the opportunity to continue their education.
What would be an example of God’s purpose for
you?
Participation
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) Principle
Participation
People have a right and duty to participate in
society, seeking together the well being of all.
Everyone has a right to participate in those
institutions necessary for human fulfilment, such
as work, education and political participation.
Why is it important to be able to participate in
your society?
Preferential
protection for the
poor
Regina is having her
breakfast which is 4
dry crackers and a cup
of tea. She won’t have
any more to eat until
lunch, which is usually
a bowl of rice with
maybe a small amount
of vegetables.
CST Principle
Preferential protection for the poor
Our Catholic Christian tradition instructs us to put
the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. It is
especially important that we look at public policy
decisions in terms of how they affect the poor.
Progress of a merely economic and technological
kind is insufficient. Development needs above all
to be true and integral.
Pope Benedict XVI, Caritas in Veritate, 2009 (23)
What does the Pope mean when he states that
development needs to be true and integral?
Universal
destination
of goods
CST Principle
Universal destination of goods
The earth and all it produces are intended for
every person. Private ownership is
acceptable, but there is also a responsibility
to ensure all have enough to live in dignity.
Do people in Solomon Islands have enough
to live in dignity? Explain.
What about in New Zealand?
Angela’s story is one of faith. Her work at the San
Isidoro Care Centre for the Deaf helped her draw
near to the needs of others in a very practical way.
Pope Francis said:
Set your stakes on great ideals, the ideals that
enlarge the heart, the ideals of service that
make your talents fruitful.
Talk over this
excerpt from Pope
Francis (given in an
address to a general
audience at St.
Peter’s Square April
2013).
If you want to support the Centre
for the Deaf in Aruligo,
check out ...
www.caritaschallenge.org.nz
Photos are supplied by Angela Murray on her
2013 visit to Solomon Islands.
Maps from Google images and Pope Francis
photo from Google images.