The Catholic Church of Solomon Islands Theology School at Holy Name of Mary Seminary in Tenaru celebrated the graduation of four dedicated seminarians.
They included; Br. Joseph Manearea, Br. James Rapeka, Br. Simon Gatitsetse, and Br. Vickson Sovetania.
After seven years of committed philosophical and theological studies, two graduates received bachelor’s degrees while the other two earned certificates.
The graduation ceremony commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by His Most Rev. Bishop Peter Houhou, Bishop of the Diocese of Gizo, alongside the Administrator of Auki Diocese and the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Honiara.
Several Catholic priests from across the Archdiocese were in attendance to support the graduates. Although His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, is away, he sent his blessings for the occasion.
During the Mass, the graduating seminarians led the liturgy, creating a spiritually enriching atmosphere for all attendees.
In his homily, Bishop Houhou congratulated the graduates and shared reflections from the Bible, focusing on St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (4:7-16) and the Gospel of Luke (13:1-9).
His message underscored the importance of faith and commitment in their ongoing journey.
The ceremony also featured addresses from prominent leaders, including HNMS Rector Fr. Thomas Christiawan, CM, Dean of Studies Fr. Lawrence Samani, and Guest Speaker Fr. Jeffrey Puritau, Administrator of Auki Diocese.
Rector Fr. Christiawan expressed gratitude to the seminarian graduates for their perseverance, as well as to their families and the Religious Sisters who supported them throughout their studies.
He reminded the graduates that their journey does not end with graduation, stating, “Non scholæ sed vitæ discimus,” which translates to “we study not for school, but for life.”
This phrase highlighted the broader purpose of their formation, encouraging the graduates to live out their vocation and continue their spiritual growth as they prepare for the priesthood.
Fr. Jeffrey Puritau also offered his congratulations and emphasized the importance of ongoing formation.
He urged the graduates to remain committed to their formation and to the support of one another as they advance toward their future roles in the Church.
The ceremony included the presentation of awards recognizing the most improved students and those with the highest cumulative grades.
Thesis papers were presented, with summaries provided by Fr. Lawrence Samani and Fr. Agus Heru, CM, for Br. Simon Gatitsetse and Br. James Rapeka, respectively.
Bishop Houhou and Fr. Agus Heru presented copies of these papers to the graduates, symbolizing their academic accomplishments.
The celebration concluded with a communal feast prepared by the Seminarian Brothers, marking a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and celebrating their commitment to faith and service.
This joyful occasion not only honored their achievements but also looked forward to their future contributions to the Church.
By Catholic Communication Solomon
