Br. Levi Ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate

Honiara: The Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands gave thanks to God as Br. Levi Sugahare of Manebena, Kirakira Parish in Makira Province, was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate during a solemn 5:00pm Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Cross Cathedral on 5th Feb 2026.

Archbishop Chris, laid hands on and conferred the sacrament of Holy Orders with the blessing of the diaconate upon Br. Levi, the newly ordained Deacon in accordance with the sacred Rite of Ordination of the Diaconate

The ordination was presided by His Grace Archbishop Christopher M. Cardone, OP, assisted by Vicar General Fr. Peter Chele, together with priests from the Archdioceses of Honiara and Auki, and priests from various religious congregations.

The sacred liturgy was witnessed by religious men and women, seminarians, the lay faithful, and family members and friends of the newly ordained deacon. The celebration was enriched by a spirit-filled liturgy, with hymns led by the seminarians of the Holy Name of Mary Seminary.

In his homily, Archbishop Cardone reflected on the Gospel from Luke, in which the Lord Jesus teaches His disciples that true greatness is found in service, declaring that He came “not to be served, but to serve.” His Grace reminded the assembly that within the Church, whether bishops, priests, deacons, catechists, or consecrated men and women ministry is not about status or power, but about humble service, following the example of Christ the Good Shepherd.

Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, delivered the homily based on the Word of God in the readings on the Gospel of Luke, calling the newly ordained Deacon, priests, bishops, and all consecrated religious to imitate Christ

Archbishop Cardone noted that Deacon Levi has spent nearly nine years in priestly formation, undertaking studies and formation at NAC and the Holy Name of Mary Seminary. This period of preparation involved spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation, equipping him for faithful service to the People of God.

With great joy, the Church now welcomes him into the diaconal ministry as he continues his journey toward priestly ordination later this year, God willing.

Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP with the newly ordained Deacon on his left and Deacon Vickson, who was ordained last December, on his right.

Reflecting on the Opening Prayer of the Rite of Ordination, the Archbishop emphasized that a deacon must be rooted in prayer, faithful, and constant in service. He reminded all religious leaders that prayer is the foundation of every vocation, calling ordained ministers and consecrated persons to remain united with God through personal prayer, communal prayer, and the liturgical prayer of the Church, so that their ministry may bear fruit.

As a deacon, Levi is entrusted with ministry at the altar, the Word, and charity. He will assist in the celebration of the Eucharist, proclaim the Gospel, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, assist at and witness the Sacrament of Matrimony, instruct the faithful in the teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and distribute Holy Communion. The Archbishop encouraged him to accompany the faithful with zeal, particularly young people and families preparing for the sacraments.