Auki, Malaita Province — The Catholic Diocese of Auki on Saturday, January 24, 2026, celebrated the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Most Rev. Jacob Aba, S.M., as its fourth bishop, marking a significant milestone in the life of the diocese.

The solemn ceremony was held at St. Augustine Cathedral in Fasitoro, Auki, and drew a large gathering of clergy, religious, lay faithful, and invited guests from across the Solomon Islands and the wider region.

The ordination was presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, representing the Holy See.

Among the notable church leaders in attendance were Bishop Rozario Menezes, S.M.M., Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands; Archbishop Christopher Cardone, O.P. of the Archdiocese of Honiara; Bishop John Bosco of Vanuatu; Bishop Peter Houhou of Gizo; and Emeritus Bishop Luciano Capelli. They were joined by diocesan priests, members of various religious congregations, and parish representatives from within and beyond the Diocese of Auki.

Background and Early Life

Bishop Aba was born on January 6, 1976, in Matanganakafo (also known as Matakana Kafo) on the island of Malaita, within what is now the Diocese of Auki. He is the son of Soni Henry and Veronica Atoa.

Education and Formation

He pursued his philosophical and theological studies through the Society of Mary (Marists), undertaking part of his formation at Marist College Bomana in Papua New Guinea. He also completed his Marist novitiate as part of his religious formation.

Religious Life and Priesthood

Bishop Aba made his religious profession with the Society of Mary on December 28, 2004, and was ordained a priest on December 10, 2009.

Prior to his episcopal appointment, he served as parish priest of the Holy Name of Mary Parish in Tanagai, Honiara. He also held leadership roles within the Marist congregation, including Sector Leader of the Marists in the Solomon Islands and councillor in the Provincial Administration.

Episcopal Appointment

He was appointed Bishop of Auki by Pope Leo XIV on October 28, 2025, with the announcement made from the Vatican on the same date.

His ordination and installation on January 24, 2026, marked several historic firsts:

• He becomes the second indigenous Solomon Islander to be appointed a Catholic bishop.
• He is the first member of the Society of Mary from the Solomon Islands to serve as a bishop.

A Significant Moment for the Diocese

The appointment and installation of Bishop Aba represent a major leadership transition for the Diocese of Auki and reflect the growing role of indigenous clergy and religious congregations, particularly the Marists, in the life and leadership of the Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands.

Church leaders and faithful alike described the occasion as one of joy, renewal, and hope for the future pastoral mission of the diocese.

Photo caption: The newly ordained Bishop, Most Rev. Jacob Aba, S.M. Photo by Catholic Communications.