MARSHALL ISLANDS - Installation of Fr. Raimundo T. Sabio, MSC as the New Apostolic Prefect of Marshall Islands on January 6, 2008 is the date of the Feast of Epiphany, one of the great feasts in the Roman Catholic Church. That day marks the installation of Fr. Raimundo T. Sabio, MSC as the New Apostolic Prefect by His Grace, the Most Rev. Archbishop Charles Daniel Balvo, JCD, DD, Apostolic Nuncio. The ceremony takes place in the Cathedral Parish of Assumption in Uliga, Majuro.  At the same time, the care of the Apostolic Prefecture of the Marshall Islands is transferred from the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) to the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (M.S.C.).
   
The presence of His Grace, Most. Rev. Anthony Apuron, OFM Cap., DD, Archbishop of Agana, Guam is also highly appreciated.  He is present in his capacity as President of CEPAC and Metropolitan Archbishop under whose authority, the Prefecture of the Marshall Islands belongs.  Also gracing the occasion are the Jesuit Fathers (S.J.):  Fr. Ken Hezel (Jesuit Superior of the Region of Micronesia), Fr. James C. Gould (former Apostolic Prefect), Fr. Richard McAuliff, Fr. Tom McGrath and Fr. Arthur Leger.  
   

 

The MSCs are represented by Fr. Simon Mani (Superior of the MSC Pacific Union); Fr. Tito Maratas (Provincial Superior of MSC Philippines), Fr. Yohanes Sujono and Fr. Ariel Galido.  It is indeed a sight to behold with so many priests and 2 archbishops on the sanctuary of the parish church. Rev. Alfred Capelle assist in the Holy Mass in his capacity as deacon. The prayer leaders and eucharistic ministers in their white garbs, are seated on the front pews of the church.

The ceremony commences at 9:40 A.M. and ends at almost 11:00 A.M.  The Assumption Church is filled to capacity by both the local Marshallese Catholics as well as the Catholic members of the various foreign communities.  Although the great majority are the Catholics of the Assumption Cathedral Parish of Majuro and of St. Francis Xavier Chapel of Laura, a good number of Queen of Peace Parish Catholics (Kwajalein) come for the occasion.  The sacred songs are sung beautifully in Marshallese, English and Kiribati languages.
   
A parish party take place at around noon time. There is enough food and drink for all to partake of.  And then a cultural and musical program follow in honour of the many guests who come from afar: New Zealand, Guam, Fiji and Philippines.  A good number of beautiful songs and folk dances are presented by many various groups and nationalities.  Indeed, it is a day to remember in the history of the Catholic Church in the Marshall Islands.