Catholic Church celebrates 100 years in Atiu

Last week, Catholics from all over the Cook Islands descended on Atiu to celebrate 100 years of the Catholic Church in Atiu.
His Most Reverend Bishop O’Connell lead the main celebration on Saturday 28thNovember with the Mass assisted by all the Priests from around the Cook Islands.
It was a privilege to have the presence of two priests, Fr John Rovers and Fr Damien who have served in the Cook Islands from the early 50s to date.
There were participants from the islands of Pukapuka, Mauke, Mitiaro, Aitutaki, Rarotonga(St Joseph’s & St Mary’s), Sydney, Brisbane and Auckland to help celebrate.
A touching memorial service in honour of those who have passed on was celebrated on Friday morning where candles were lit in their remembrance.
A number of activities were held from Monday 23rd November to Saturday 28th November, the main day and the closing ceremony on Sunday 29th with the lowering of the St Anthony flag hoisted on Sunday 22nd Nov.
It was an occasion in a lifetime for those who made the effort to attend and a memorable one for all those Atiuans who took part.
The church is administered today by Fr Salvador Macadia from the Philippines. The celebration was organised by the Parish Council of St Anthony De Padure of Atiu, and the many people of Enuamanu.
History
In 1902 Fr Castanie from Tahiti, went to Atiu to see if the Catholic Church could be established there. He spent 15 days in Atiu and the people were not interested.
It was in April 1909, that Fr Anaclet Fort, came from Mauke to Atiu. He was there for two weeks, but ended up staying for 3mths due to no boats and no transportation to return to Rarotonga . While he was in Atiu, the Enuamanu people wanted him to stay on to start a school to teach English.
From July 2 1909, he settled in. Rongomatane Ariki gave him land measuring 4mtrs by 10mtrs. This was to house him, build a school and a chapel.
He taught 3 groups of children each day. Fr Ubald Lehman came in 1916 to takeover from Fr Anaclet Fort due to illness. The church and the school then grew from then on.
Today, the Catholic school does not operate on the island, just the Government school.

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