On Wednesday September 2nd, Fr Chaplain Soma was commissioned by regional Bishop Philip Huggins as Assistant Curate to the Anglican Parish of Footscray and the Brotherhood of St Laurence. St John's, Paisley St, played host to a service that was both solemn and lively. Symbols of ministry presented to Fr Chaplain included a prayerbook, bible, chalice, paten, baptismal ewer and, peculiar to his special ministry to the Sudanese and the Brotherhood, a cross and shaker, a candle and a Brotherhood stole. St John's was packed with family, friends, parishioners and former associates of Fr Chaplain and resounded to the strains of Footscray's Tongan and Sudanese singers. At the conclusion of the service St John's literally "jumped" with spontaneous singing and dancing courtesy of Sudanese parishioners. The celebrations continued with more singing, dancing and a delicious supper comprising Sudanese delicacies prepared especially for the occasion by Fr Chaplain, his wife Mary and children. A great occasion indeed for the Anglican parish of Footscray and all for the greater glory of God ... A.M.D.G.
