“Rohngamwahu”
The Holy Week of the Pohnpeian Church
Rohngamwahu literally means Good News.
Rohng (News) a mwahu (Good)
The Christian faith was brought to Pohnpei: in 1852
By: Congregational missionaries
From
U.S.. & Hawaii
Rohngamwahu is celebrated:
During the whole second week of July
It is the season of abundance
Breadfruit (a staple food is in season) is plentiful
Rohngamwahu is celebrated by:
28 UCC churches
and over 1,000 people
processing from church to church
Welcoming service
Main service – where people rededicate themselves
Sharing service – a time of witnessing
Singing service
Guests are:
presented with Pohnpeian leis called mwaramwar which is a sign of respect for the recipient.
Sprayed with perfume which is reminiscent of Mary Magdalene’s love for Jesus
Rohngamwahu;
Is the climax of the church year activities
Is the time for ordinations/rededication
Enables members remember their indebtedness to missionaries
Enables church members to exhibit a lavish welcome
Enables members to know that God’s food is to be shared
What we may learn from Pohnpei’s Rohngamwahu
We are called to give ourselves whole heartedly to our faith
We share wholeheartedly (even though our means may be meager)
All cultures can learn from one another
