The newly refurbished Nazareth House of Prayer at Laloki is expected to provide a place of prayer, reflection and spiritual renewal for people across Central Province and beyond, following its official opening by Central Governor Rufina Peter recently.
The facility, which underwent major refurbishment through the support of the Central Provincial Government, includes two renovated dormitories, the House of Prayer and the Chapel, creating a more suitable environment for individuals, church groups and visitors seeking time away for prayer, reflection and personal renewal.
Governor Peter said the upgraded facility would serve an important purpose by giving people a place to step away from the pressures of everyday life and reconnect spiritually.
"Having a facility like this, where people can come out of their busyness and spend some time in silence, prayer and reflection, is very important," said Governor Peter.
She said leaders, public servants, workers and community members often carried demanding responsibilities, and having a retreat centre close to the city provided an opportunity for people to refresh themselves spiritually before returning to their daily duties.
"With the jobs that we have, whether as political leaders, administrators or workers, we are often working long hours every day. Having a place like this allows people to come, spend some time, reconnect, and then go back out to continue what they do," she said.
The refurbishment of the Nazareth House of Prayer is part of the Central Provincial Government's wider commitment to supporting integral human development through partnerships with churches and community organisations.
Governor Peter said investment in people remained one of the most important responsibilities of government, as human development was central to the progress of communities.
"Human resource is the critical investment that every province or government has to make because it is people who drive everything else," she said.
She added that churches had played a significant role in shaping communities through spiritual guidance, education, health services and other forms of support, and that government would continue to work alongside churches to improve services for the people.
Governor Peter also acknowledged the long history and contribution of the Handmaids of the Lord Sisters in Central Province, particularly in Kairuku and Goilala districts, since the arrival of Catholic missionaries in 1884.
She said the sisters had provided generations of service and that the Nazareth House of Prayer reflected their continued commitment to supporting people through faith, care and spiritual guidance.
"This facility is not only for one group of people. It is a place where people can come, regardless of their background, to find peace, pray and reflect," she said.
The Governor said the provincial government’s support for the refurbishment was an investment that would benefit future generations and strengthen the partnership between government and the church.
She also encouraged stronger coordination between government and church organisations to identify priority projects that could create meaningful impacts for communities throughout Central Province.
The refurbished Nazareth House of Prayer now stands as a dedicated retreat and prayer facility, offering a peaceful environment for individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal, guidance and a place to strengthen their faith.
