(The Contractor is handing over the keys to the Church to Bishop Paul. Following the cutting of the ribbon the doors were opened and the Congregation entered the Church.)
Today Bishop Paul, Priests, Reverend Sisters, the Paramount Chief of Wechiau Traditional Area, the Minister of Health who is the MP for this Constituency, the District Chief Executive who is the political head of the District, the NW Region Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall, the Methodist minister, parishioners and many others gathered for the dedication of Lassia's new Church, St. Ignatius of Loyola. It was a jubilant ceremony filled with much symbolism. The Church was built with financial assistance from MISSIO, St. Otger's Parish in Germany, and contributions from the Parishioners. It took six years to construct.
The five hour ceremony began with everyone present walking from the old Church to the new Church, signifying the move from old Jerusalem to new Jerusalem. The long procession of people then formed rows in a semi-circle in front of the new Church. The two hundred Knights and Ladies of Marshall marched through the rows, followed by the Choir who were singing, and the Children of Mary. During a short ceremony at the front doors, the Contractor handed the keys over to Bishop Paul Bemile. He then handed them over to the Parish Priest, Fr. Paul Piizie to unlock the doors of the Church. Bishop Paul cut the ribbon with the assistance of the District Chief Executive, opened the doors and we all walked inside. The Church quickly filled to capacity and the overflow gathered outside at the windows and doors to listen to the ceremony.
The dedication began by "baptising" the Church with holy water, to make it holy. Bishop Paul then anointed the entire altar with chrism and walked around the perimeter of the Church anointing the twelve pillars. Beneath each pillar was a candle which were later lit. The candles and pillars represent The Twelve Apostles as well as the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The dedication of the Church is in union with The Twelve Apostles. Incense was burnt in two pots placed on the Altar. The smoke symbolised the prayers of the people going up to God. The Reverend Sisters then covered the altar with linens and decorated the Sanctuary with flowers and balloons. There was much joyous dancing and singing throughout the entire ceremony and Mass. The six years of waiting as they watched their new Church being slowly built was over and people were overjoyed and proud. I had watched the children of Mary rehearse the previous Sunday after Mass and their performance today was flawless. Rather than ushers coming around with collection baskets as we do in Canada, parishioners walk up to the front to deposit their donation. A very long line of people brought forth many gifts of food during the Offertory and carried them into a side room. These gifts acknowledged with gratefulness what God had given them, and the people were now offering the gifts back to God to praise Him. The food that was given will go to the three Priests who live in Lassia, to help sustain them.
Following the Mass there were speeches by the dignitaries and then a special fundraising collection to purchase pews. A challenge was issued to see which clan would donate the most, and a friendly competition followed. The ceremony ended with the presentation of a ram to Bishop Paul to show appreciation for his presence. Even though the dedication lasted five hours no one seemed to be in a hurry to leave. People lingered around, seemingly reluctant to leave the warmth and joyfulness.
The Sisters putting the final touches on the Altar. The Bishop is sitting right under the cross and is flanked by priests, a deacon and altar boys.
The Children of Mary performed a number of dances and songs throughout the Dedication and Mass.
The NW Region Noble Order of the Knights and Ladies of Marshall. We sat on plastic chairs as the pews have not been purchased yet. It's hard to see, but the Church was completely full to the very back.
A view of the middle of the Church from one side to the other. 
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