St. Martin de Porres RTC Celebrates 50 years and Blessing of new Church Building

On Monday, 3rd November 2025, the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara joined the Universal Church in celebrating the Feast of St. Martin de Porres at St. Martin Rural Training Centre (RTC), Tenaru. The celebration also marked the 50th Anniversary of the school and the official opening and blessing of the new church building for the institution.

Priests and altar servers stand with Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP in front of the newly blessed Church of St Martin de Porres RTC on Monday 2nd November 2025

The program began with a beautiful enactment of the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries to the Solomon Islands, performed by His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, together with the Bishop-Elect of Auki Diocese, Fr. Jacob Aba, SM, and the Marist Brothers. They were welcomed by local chiefs who received three symbolic gifts representing Faith, Education, and Health ; the three pillars brought by the Church to the shores of the Solomon Islands and embodied in the legacy of St. Martin RTC.

Before the Holy Mass, Archbishop Cardone blessed the holy water used to sanctify the new church building, beginning with the exterior, then proceeding inside to bless the lectern, altar, tabernacle, and all sacred objects that will serve the worshipping community. The ribbon- cutting and blessing ceremonies were followed by a thanksgiving Mass led by Archbishop Cardone, assisted by the Vicar General of the Archdiocese, Bishop-Elect Fr. Jacob Aba, SM, two Salesian priests, Dominican friars, and diocesan clergy from both Auki Diocese and the Archdiocese of Honiara.

Bishop-Elect Jacob Aba and Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP reenacted the arrival of the early missionaries who brought education, health care, and faith to St Martin 50 years ago

In his homily, Archbishop Chris reflected on the history of the Catholic Church’s mission in the Solomon Islands and the foundation of St. Martin Centre, which was established by the Marist Brothers, particularly the late Br. George, who had a deep passion for teaching young people practical life skills. He reminded the faithful of the inspiring example of St. Martin de Porres, a humble Dominican friar of African descent, who despite being treated as an outcast, dedicated his life to God and to serving others. The Archbishop encouraged everyone to be committed and active Christians, urging, “Let us not be lazy, but be willing servants of God.”

After the Mass, Archbishop Cardone together with the priests blessed the statues of the Blessed Mother Mary and St. Martin de Porres, as well as the new school signboard, symbolizing the continued presence of faith and guidance for the students and community of St. Martin de Porres RTC.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP cutting the ribbon to officially open the St. Martin de Porres Church building on Mon 2nd 2025

The celebration concluded with feasting, traditional entertainment, and joyful fellowship, marking a memorable milestone in the life of St. Martin de Porres RTC and the Catholic community in Tenaru.