Empowering men in the Footstep of St. Joseph

Honiara, Solomon Islands – From March 20 to 23, 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara held a three-day gathering for Catholic men at the St. Mother Teresa Family and Youth Center in Aruligo. Under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope: Following the Footsteps of St. Joseph,” the event gave men a chance to grow in faith, reflect on their roles as fathers and leaders, and renew their commitment to their families and communities.

(Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, with priests after the Opening Mass for the Archdiocesan Men's Gathering, which brought together 2,500 men. Photo by Stephen Kamoa)

More than 2,500 men attended from Makira Province, Ulawa, Russell Islands, the Central Islands Province, and Guadalcanal Province. Men from St. Theresa Takwa Parish in the Diocese of Auki also took part. The event was organized by Kuhota, Kukum Parish, Holy Cross Parish, and Tanagai Parish, who worked together to create a meaningful and faith-filled experience.

The gathering began with an Opening Mass led by Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, along with 13 priests. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged fathers to follow the example of St. Joseph by being humble, prayerful, and protective. He urged men to avoid harmful behaviors such as alcohol abuse and domestic violence and instead become responsible leaders in their families and communities.

After Mass, participants attended talks on key challenges faced by Catholic men today. Peter Sageliverana, Chairperson of the Catholic Men’s Group (CMG), spoke about the role of men as spiritual leaders in society. Fr. Peter John Varea, CMG Spiritual Director, discussed what it means to live as a true Catholic man, while Fr. Lawrence Kimaere OP addressed the issue of alcoholism. The day also included the Stations of the Cross, led by St. Michael Parish – Avu-Avu, and a screening of a film on the life of St. Joseph.

The second day began with Mass celebrated by Fr. James Ere’ai, followed by more talks. Fr. Peter Chele, Vicar General, spoke about the spirituality of work in the life of St. Joseph. Fr. James Ere’ai, a professor at HNMS, shared insights on health and spiritual wellness. Fr. Clement Netana, Parish Priest of Kukum, reflected on St. Joseph’s role as the protector of the Holy Family. The day ended with the recitation of the St. Joseph Chaplet Prayer, led by Queen of Martyrs Parish – Wainoni, and a cultural night filled with traditional performances and fellowship.

On the final day, the Closing Mass was celebrated by Fr. Peter Chele. Members of Sacred Heart Parish – Visale, St. John the Baptist Parish – Kirakira, and Takwa Parish took part in the liturgy. In his homily, Fr. Chele reminded the men of the event’s theme, encouraging them to follow St. Joseph’s example and allow God’s Word to transform their lives. He stressed that this gathering was not just an event but a chance to change hearts, renew faith, and inspire men to take action in their families and communities.

This faith-filled event reinforced the Catholic Church’s commitment to strengthening families by empowering men to be responsible and spiritually grounded fathers, following the example of St. Joseph.