President of the Cook Islands World Day of Prayer since 2019, Luduina Williams, praised the efforts of the late Henrica Wilson Marona who successfully advocated for the nation to host the 2025 World Day of Prayer.

Williams said to have the visiting World Day of Prayer International Committee (WDPIC) pay their respect to Wilson Marona by visiting her gravesite, was wonderful.

“The fruits of her work are happening now. Henrica was a very courageous woman. She would be proud of all of us. She was a great woman who paved the way for other great women in the World Day of Prayer. We are very proud to be here,” she said.

Williams said the committee didn’t know what to expect when they arrived in Rarotonga for the first time.

“They feel the peace, the love, and the kindness here,” she said.

Wilson Marona’s son John Paul Wilson, was moved by the gesture of the WDPIC who praised his mother for her dedication to the movement.

“I feel blessed, happy and humbled to see these woman pay tribute to my mum, to acknowledge her for her work when she was the president. That they thought of her.”

He said his mother had spent a lot of time preparing for this year’s World Day of Prayer event.

“Her priority was her faith, and she kept pushing for the Cook Islands to host this event. She was very excited. “I’m sad though that she’s not here to see this day this year. It’s also good to see my aunties here too showing their support,” Wilson said.