Catholic Dioceses in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands have been asked to renew prayer this week for the victims of violence in the Solomon Islands.

Archbishop Karl Hesse, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference has called on Catholics to particularly remember the six Melanesian Brothers.

"The news of the murders the Anglican brothers comes as the Catholic Church prepares for the annual pilgrimage to St Paul’s in the Bainings, on 13^th August".

Speaking from Rabaul the Archbishop said: "We do not have many details from Guadalcanal. We are told that the Melanesian Brothers were killed when they went to the Weather Coast in an attempt to find other members of their society. We are told the story is true and we are deeply saddened by the realisation that such evil could be done to people who dedicated their lives to the service of others".

"This week we are remembering the Bainings Martyrs, a group of 10 Catholic brothers, sisters and priests together with a number of lay people, who were killed in East New Britain 99 years ago. The loss, now reported, of these six brothers reminds us of the sacrifices so willingly made by so many people in serving their vocations."

The Catholic community offers its condolences to the Anglican communities in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. We join with the Anglican Communion in admiring the spirit of these men, who apparently gave their lives for their brothers.

We thank God for their service to the people and for the example unselfish generosity they have given us. We extend, to the families of the brothers, our sincere sympathy.

Archbishop Hesse has called on all Catholics to include, in prayers this week, the families of the Melanesian Brothers as well as the family of the Adventist volunteer murdered on 18 May this year in Malaita.

President

Catholic Bishops' Conference of

Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands