A Message of Appreciation and Hope from the Sisters of Melanesia
By Sr Everill, Head Sister of the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia (CSM)
Warm greetings from Verana’aso, the headquarters of the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia!
It was a great honour and joy to join the recent Zoom meeting with our UK Associates. On behalf of all the Sisters, Novices, staff, their families, and our local Associates here in the Solomon Islands, I extend our heartfelt thanks—especially to Catherine Duce—for making this meeting possible. Your continued prayers and generous support, particularly in providing daily lunches for our Novices, mean so much to us. May the love and peace of God be with you always.
A New Chapter in Leadership
As many of you may already know, I was elected Head Sister of the Community during our General Conference in September 2024. I am humbled to serve alongside Assistant Head Sister Mary from Malaita. Leading this vibrant and faithful community is both a challenge and a blessing. With God’s grace and your prayers, I continue to walk this path with joy and commitment.
Celebrating Pentecost
This year, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost from 7–8 June 2025 with great joy. On Saturday, nine Aspirants were admitted into the Novitiate. The following day, ten Novices were professed as full Sisters by His Grace, the Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia. Over 300 Christians joined us in this beautiful celebration of faith and commitment.
A Joyful Visit from the UK
On a sunny Monday, 24 February 2025, we were blessed with a visit from Katie Drew. For many Sisters and Novices, it was their first time meeting someone from our UK Associates in person. We have long heard stories of your kindness—your support for the water pump project, the Novices’ lunch programme, and the completion of our new chapel. To finally meet Katie was a moment of great joy. We welcomed her with singing, dancing, and flower garlands, and shared a meal together as one family in Christ. We hope and pray that more of you will be able to visit us in the future.
Our Growing Community
As of this year, our Community includes:
- 65 Professed Sisters
- 35 Novices
We currently have four active Households in addition to our headquarters at Verana’aso:
- Ellison Pogo Household (Diocese of Central Melanesia, Honiara)
- Nester Atkin Tiboe (N.A.T) Household (Diocese of Guadalcanal)
- Clement Juvia Household (Diocese of Guadalcanal)
- Stella Household (Diocese of Ysabel)
We also have four Sisters serving at the Christian Care Centre, supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.
Excitingly, we are preparing to open two new Households this year:
- One in Kia, Ysabel, with support from local Associates
- One in Ngella, Central Solomons
Mission and Ministry
Ten third-year Novices recently completed their fieldwork in the Diocese of Guadalcanal, accompanied by two Sisters. These Novices were among those professed during Pentecost. Additionally, ten Sisters and ten Novices conducted a Holy Week mission on Savo Island, where they were warmly received by the local Christian community.
Education and Formation
We currently have three Sisters pursuing theological studies:
- Sr Jesma (Tasia, Ysabel – final year in 2026)
- Sr Sandra and Sr Minnie (Hugo Gorovaka, Diocese of Guadalcanal – final year in 2026)
A Final Word of Thanks
Dear UK Associates, friends and donors, your unwavering support—through prayer, encouragement, and generosity—continues to empower our mission. We are truly blessed to have such compassionate and committed partners walking alongside us. Your kindness strengthens our faith and helps our Community flourish. May God bless you abundantly as we strive together to live as Christ lived.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Sr Everill
Head Sister, Community of the Sisters of Melanesia