Local priests serving in Solomons increase eightfold

By CathNews New Zealand

October 30th, 2026

(Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara/Facebook)

In little more than a generation, the number of local priests serving in the Solomon Islands has increased eightfold, while over the same time the number of missionary priests there has decreased by two-thirds.

Delivering a homily at a graduation Mass for Solomon Islands seminarians on October 24, Honiara Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP spoke about the growth of priestly vocations in the Pacific nation.

The archbishop recalled that when he arrived in 1989, there were about 10 local priests and 50 missionary priests. Today, the country has 82 local priests and around 15 missionary priests.

He thanked families for supporting their sons in answering God’s call and encouraged priests to be humble, holy and hardworking, serving God’s people with love, mercy and thanksgiving.

At the graduation in Honiara, eight seminarians received bachelor’s degrees from Holy Name of Mary Seminary and one received a diploma. Five are from the Diocese of Auki, three from the Archdiocese of Honiara and one from the Diocese of Gizo.

Seminary rector Fr Thomas Christiawan CM reminded the graduates that their academic achievements were not simply certificates to display, but preparation for a life of service.

“The degrees or diplomas you receive today are not only academic certificates to be hung on a wall. At the Major Seminary, education has always been oriented towards service,” he said.

He encouraged the brothers to remain humble, stay close to the people they serve, work in unity with their bishops and fellow priests, and keep prayer at the centre of their lives.

FULL STORY

Nine seminarians take another step to priesthood (Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara/Facebook)

New Rector for Holy Name of Mary Seminary (Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara/Facebook)