The Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands celebrated a milestone on Saturday 6th of December with the ordination of Fr Howard Malcolm of Ravu Village in West Guadalcanal at Holy Cross Parish in Honiara.
The ceremony was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone, the head of the Archdiocese of Honiara.
The ordination drew clergy, parishioners, and community leaders and the families of newly ordained priest to the capital’s cathedral, where Malcolm pledged his commitment to serve the Church and its faithful.
Archbishop Cardone, who has led the Archdiocese since 2016, urged the new priest to embody humility and service in his ministry.
“Your vocation is a gift to the people of God,” Archbishop Cardone said during the homily.
He reminded the congregation of the Dominican tradition, noting that “we are called to praise, to bless, and to preach.
“We praise God when we live together in harmony, when we study together, and when we serve together in ministry.”
Archbishop Cardone also emphasized the Dominican mission of truth and preaching. “We come always to speak the truth, to speak the truth in love,” he said.
“Whether in the pulpit, the classroom, or the hospital, we are preachers in how we are close to Jesus and bring Him to others.”
Archbishop Cardone urged the newly ordained priest to live out the responsibilities of priesthood. “Meditate on the law of God, believe what you read, teach what you read, and practice what you teach,” he said.
“Let the example of your life attract the followers of Christ, so that by word and action you may build up the house which is God’s family.”
Malcolm, who joined the Dominican Order in 2014, expressed gratitude for the support of his community and the faithful who travelled from near and far to witness the ceremony.
“I’m really happy because people put a lot of effort to attend, even though they come from so many different places.
“That’s one of the great joys for me.”
Attendees included parishioners from provinces across the Solomon Islands and abroad.
He acknowledged his families and friends in turning up to witness his ordination.
“It gives me great joy to see you all here,” Malcolm added.
Reflecting on his journey, Malcolm acknowledged the challenges of religious life but emphasized the role of prayer and discipline.
“One of the challenges is how we discipline ourselves to commit to that way of life. But I thank God, how He guided me through prayers, and still managed to come this far,” he said.
The ordination strengthens the Dominican presence in the Solomon Islands, where the order has long been active in education, health, and pastoral ministry.
For Holy Cross Parish, one of the country’s oldest Catholic institutions, the event marked another milestone in its role as a centre of faith and community life.
By ANDRIANAH DELASALET KOLE
Solomon Star, Honiara
