Nine Seminarians Take Another Step Towards Priesthood

HONIARA, Solomon Islands, 24 October 2026 – Nine seminarian brothers have taken another important step towards the priesthood after graduating from Holy Name of Mary Seminary on Saturday, with eight receiving bachelor's degrees and one receiving a diploma.

The graduation marks an important stage in their journey of preparation for priestly ministry in the Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP with the graduates and the attending priests during the graduation at the Holy Name of Mary Seminary

The graduates are Br. Alfred L. Kaivini, Br. Stanley Paeni, Br. Danstan Paul, Br. Job Talai, Br. Joseph Hariona, Br. Peter Iniuhi, Br. Gideon Rouhana, Br. Kalisto Misitana and Br. Luke Baraea. Five are from the Diocese of Auki, three from the Archdiocese of Honiara and one from the Diocese of Gizo.

The celebration began with the Holy Mass, presided over by His Grace Archbishop Christopher Michael Cardone, OP, and attended by priests, religious sisters, families and members of the Christian community.

In his homily, Archbishop Cardone reflected on the theme, “Let the Hearts That Seek the Lord Rejoice” (Psalm 105:3). He spoke about the growth of priestly vocations in the Solomon Islands, recalling 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.

Seminary Rector Fr. Thomas 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.

Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Br. Joseph reflected on how seminary life had helped them grow intellectually, spiritually, personally and pastorally. Referring to Ecclesiastes 3:11, he reminded his fellow brothers that everything has its season in God's plan.

He encouraged them to prepare to serve not merely as administrators, but as shepherds who care for God's people with compassion, humility and the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.

The ceremony also included presentations of thesis abstracts on Catholic faith, traditional cultures, local languages and community life in the Solomon Islands.

As they continue their vocational journey, the nine brothers are preparing for future priestly ministry. Their graduation is an occasion of thanksgiving for their families, the seminary and the wider Church, which continues to pray for and support their journey towards the priesthood.

May God guide the nine brothers in their continued formation and help them become faithful and humble priests who serve His people with love and dedication