The Book of Common Prayer
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    Portions of the Book of Common Prayer in Owa
(1956)

 

Fagarafenga ni Gomagomaafatani mana Manuurafitani mana Ngau Apuna ana
I NA WOITA I OWA RAFA:

Santa Ana Prayer Book.

 

 


Taroaniara, British Solomon Islands: Melanesian Mission Press, 1956.


 

 

Owa (here called Santa Ana) is a language spoken by more than 8,000 people in the Diocese of Hanuato'o in the Anglican Church of Melanesia. It is used in the Makira-Ulawa Province of the Solomon Islands, particularly on the islands of Owaraha, (commonly known as Santa Ana), Owariki (Santa Catalina), and on adjacent parts of the much larger island of Makira (San Cristobal).

This translation of Prime, Compline, Prayers and Thanksgivings, Preparation for Holy Communion, and Holy Communion is based on the 1938 Book of Common Prayer Authorised for Use in Churches and Chapels in the Diocese of Melanesia.

An earlier publication of part of the Book of Common Prayer was issued along with selected hymns in 1938; it is believed to be the first book ever published in this language. Griffiths does not list Anglican liturgical translations into Owa/Santa Ana, but he includes other languages spoken in this part of the Solomon Islands as language numbers 145-149 in his Bibliography of the Book of Common Prayer.


This text was transcribed by Richard Mammana from a 33-page pamphlet published by the Melanesian Mission Press in 1956. Thomas Rae provided a copy of the text, and Bishop Terry Brown assisted with the introduction.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Prime
Compline
Prayers & Thanksgivings
Preparation for Holy Communion
Holy Communion

 

custom house
A custom house on Santa Ana

 

Web author: Charles Wohlers U. S. EnglandScotlandIrelandWalesCanadaWorld