Catholic Bishops remind seminarians that they have a duty to serve others and know about Christ
The three Catholic bishops of the Solomon Islands β Archbishop Christopher Cardone OPΒ (Honiara), Bishop Peter Houhou (Gizo), and Bishop Jacob Aba (Auki) β held theirΒ first meeting of 2026 at the Holy Name of Mary Seminary, Central Guadalcanal on Tuesday 10th March 2026.
The bishops met separately among themselves, with the seminary lecturers andΒ rector, and with seminarian students from each diocese. The visit included; anΒ Eucharistic celebration, during which five spiritual year students received theirΒ cassocks.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Jacob Aba and assisted by ArchbishopΒ Cardone, Bishop Houhou, and the seminary priests who also serve as lecturers,Β along with Deacon Levi.
In his homily, Bishop Aba challenged and encouraged the seminarians:
βIf you seek to be a priest for power or authority, you are mistaken. True priesthoodΒ is about shaping your life for heaven and serving the salvation of Godβs people. TheΒ Church needs you to bring Christ to others.
He said, βHave you experienced Godβs forgiveness? Your formation is not merely toΒ hold the title of priest but to live a life of holiness. Let your cassock be a sign of yourΒ commitment to God, not for show. Ordination alone does not grant salvation; it mustΒ be lived with love for God and neighbor.β
Bishop Aba encouraged the seminarians to embrace challenges as stepping stonesΒ toward becoming effective missionaries, reminding them that through their lives,Β Christ will be present among the faithful.
The cassock ceremony marks a significant milestone in the seminariansβ journey,Β symbolizing their dedication to God and the Church.
The bishopsβ meeting focused on pastoral priorities and initiatives for 2026, withΒ particular attention to the development of seminarian formation, the needs of theirΒ dioceses, and advancing the mission of the Church in the Solomon Islands.
- Catholic Communications
