The Alualu and Buala communities in Honiara held a double headed celebrations at Badly and Judy’s residence, Panatina, Sunday 23 August, 2015, to mark Alualu’s St Bartholomew day, and for Buala to celebrate the Binaboli day; the arrival of priest Hugo Hebala and his Christian pilgrimage from Lageba, Bugotu at Buala Maringe Districk on 24 August, 1902.
The peoples of the two communities from Hograno and Maringe, with friends and families started with a holy communion, celebrated by Reverend Gordon Nunu, assisted by another priest, Father Martin.
The service was solemn with beautiful singing by both communities.
The programme included speeches from Chief Dennies C Lulei, paramount Chief of Maringe, Chief Brown Figri and Chief Fredrick Kana.
All the three chiefs emphasized the importance of celebrations of church festivals and remembrance of important events of the church.
Such celebrations reinforce and strengthen communal solidarity and promote peace, unity and happiness and recommunion with saints.
The feast was made up of a variety of foods, properly and deliciously cooked by both communities.
There was plentiful for all.
There was a presentation of gifts to four little children by all people who were there.
The significance of ‘Namha na e Keli’ – love is good.
The joyful celebrations ended with the re-enactment of the Binaboli pilgrimage Journey that took a place 113 years ago by the Buala people and followed by beautiful singing of songs and dances.
The double Alualu – Buala celebrations were led and organized by Varian Longamei, Mrs Selina Longamei, Baddley Tabiru, Mrs Judy Tabiru, Gabriel Giano, James Bero and others.
Plans for a bigger celebration for year 2016 are already being talked about.