Associates Gather at St Scholastica’s House: A Time of Prayer, Fellowship and Reflection
A report from Revd Sr Veronica, Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC), Solomon Islands Province
In early June, I had the privilege of visiting the Sisters at St Scholastica’s House in the Diocese of Ysabel as part of my Provincial Visit. During my stay, from 2 to 5 June 2026, I was delighted to join the Associates of the Community of the Sisters of the Church for their annual conference.
The gathering brought together around 80 Associates from across the diocese, and provided a valuable opportunity for Associates to meet together, pray, study the Bible, and discuss plans for the future of their Household.
I was invited to lead the retreat and facilitate a workshop on the Anglican Church of Melanesia’s Safe Church initiative. It was encouraging to share this important ministry with people from different parts of the Church and to promote greater awareness of creating safe and nurturing church communities.
Encouragement Through Prayer and Fellowship
For many Associates, the conference offered a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and spend time in prayer, reflection, and fellowship. Many of those attending were women who seldom have access to pastoral counselling or opportunities for spiritual retreat.
Throughout the gathering, Associates encouraged one another through prayer and Bible study, strengthening their faith and commitment to Christian service. I was grateful to listen to many personal stories and concerns, and to pray with those facing challenges in their families and communities.
The Sisters also shared updates about the life and ministry of the Community throughout the Province, helping Associates remain connected with the wider work of CSC.
One particularly special aspect of the conference was the way different villages took responsibility for preparing meals each day. This spirit of service and generosity reflected the strong sense of community that characterises Christian life in Melanesia.
A Beautiful but Threatened Place
St Scholastica’s House is situated in a peaceful and secluded setting, away from nearby villages. The sounds of birdsong and a nearby waterfall create an atmosphere of tranquillity that makes it an ideal place for prayer and retreat.
Sadly, this peace is increasingly threatened by mining activity in the surrounding area.
The constant sound of vehicles travelling to and from the mines now reaches the House, disrupting the quiet and serving as a reminder of the environmental damage being caused. As Sisters and Associates, we care deeply for God’s creation and believe we are called to be faithful stewards of the earth and its resources.
We have witnessed first-hand the impact of mining on the local environment. The seashore, mangroves, and river systems have been badly affected. Rivers that were once clean and abundant with fish and shellfish are now heavily polluted with mud and sediment, affecting both wildlife and local communities.
This destruction is a source of great sadness for those who live and worship at St Scholastica’s House.
An Urgent Need for Support
The recent cyclone brought further challenges to this remote retreat centre. Strong winds severely damaged the solar power system, blowing down solar lights and damaging many of the solar panels.
As a result, the House now has very limited lighting. During the Associates’ Conference, activities had to be conducted with minimal lighting, creating practical difficulties and raising safety concerns, particularly given the isolated location of the House.
There is also an urgent need for an additional water tank. St Scholastica’s currently relies on a single drinking-water tank, which was emptied during the conference. With increasing numbers of visitors attending retreats, conferences, and training events, additional water storage is now essential.
Revd Sr Veronica, Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC), Solomon Islands Province
How You Can Help
Revd Sr Veronica has asked MMUK supporters to remember St Scholastica’s House in their prayers and, if possible, to help meet these urgent needs.
Donations towards the following would make a significant difference:
- Replacement solar panels
- Solar-powered lighting
- A new water tank
- Improvements to the House’s resilience and sustainability
St Scholastica’s House serves as an important place of prayer, retreat, spiritual formation, and pastoral support for the Sisters, Associates, and wider Church community in Ysabel. Supporting these practical needs will help ensure that this ministry can continue for years to come.
Please pray for Revd Sr Veronica, the Sisters of the Community of the Sisters of the Church, their Associates, and all who find renewal and encouragement through the ministry of St Scholastica’s House. Through your prayers and support, you can help sustain this special place of faith, fellowship, and hope.
