A historic new chapter unfolded for the Community of the Sisters of the Church (CSC) as Sister Kristy, a long-serving religious sister originally from Tikopia, was officially blessed and installed as the new Sister Provincial during the Holy Eucharist service at Tetete Ni Kolivuti (TNK), Headquarters of the Community, North Guadalcanal on Sunday morning.
The sacred ceremony was officiated by the Right Reverend Benedict Loe, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal, who also serves as the Bishop Visitor of the Community of the Sisters of the Church.
The landmark event drew a vibrant congregation of around 200 people, including CSC associate members, family members, supporters and friends who came to witness the transition of leadership.
Sr. Kristy succeeds the Reverend Sister Veronica, who completed a faithful and transformative nine-year tenure as Sister Provincial. Rev. Sr. Veronica had previously taken up the role from the Late Sr. Kathleen Kapei.
Preaching from the readings on (Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, and Matthew 22:1-14), Bishop Loe centered his sermon on the timely theme, “Faithful Leadership in God’s Mission.”
Addressing the congregation and the incoming Provincial leader, Bishop Loe drew clear parallels from Moses’ intercession for a restless Israel in Exodus, reminding Sr.Kristy that leadership is tested most during times of community uncertainty.
“Moses shows us that true leaders stand between God and the people, holding both in prayer,” Bishop Loe stated.
“Sr. Kristy, your call as Sister Provincial is to be such an intercessor—guiding the Sisters with patience, reminding them of God’s covenant, and leading them away from distractions toward faithfulness.”
Reflecting on Saint Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the Bishop emphasized that religious leadership must embody gentleness and the supernatural joy of Christ, rather than rigid discipline alone.
He further tied the installation to the Gospel of Matthew’s wedding banquet, reminding the Sisters that they are called to be “clothed in Christ,” actively keeping the church’s mission alive by inviting everyone—especially the poor and marginalized—to share in God’s feast.
In a direct and moving charge to the newly installed leader, Bishop Loe reminded Sr. Kristy of the deep weight of her new responsibilities.
“This is not a position of privilege but of service. Like Moses, you will intercede. Like Paul, you will encourage. Like the king’s servant, you will invite many to the banquet.”
“There is no favoritism in Leadership, a leader treats all her followers the same, as equals.” The Bishop added.
He concluded with a passionate appeal to the wider church, calling on the Community Sisters of the Church to support their new Provincial leader with prayer, obedience, and love, while urging the entire members of the Church to firmly uphold the CSC, whose religious witness continues to strengthen the Anglican Church of Melanesia.