Auki, Malaita Province —The Universal Church, together with the Catholic Church in the Solomon Islands, rejoiced as the Catholic Diocese of Auki welcomed its fourth Bishop, Bishop Jacob Aba, on Saturday, 24 January 2026, during his Episcopal Ordination and Installation at St. Augustine Cathedral, Fasitoro, Auki, Malaita Province.
The historic celebration marked a significant moment for t he local Church and was especially welcomed with joy by the young Catholic population of the Solomon Islands, who celebrated the ordination of the second locally born Catholic Bishop in the country.
Formerly the parish priest of St. Mary Tanagai Parish in the Archdiocese of Honiara and Counsellor of the Marist Oceania Society, Fr. Jacob Aba was ordained and installed as Bishop of Auki during a solemn Eucharistic Mass attended by clergy, religious, and faithful from across the Diocese and beyond.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by the Archbishop of Honiara, His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP also the Principal Consecrator on behalf of the Apostolic Nuncio to the Catholic Bishop Conference of PNG/SI, His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi. He was assisted by His Lordship Bishop Rozario Menezes S.M.M, Vice President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Bishop John Bosco S.M. of Port villa, His Lordship Bishop Peter Houhou, Bishop of the Diocese of Gizo, and Emeritus Bishop Luciano Capelli SDB.
The ordination was witnessed by priests from the three dioceses, together with religious men and women and a large gathering of the lay faithful.
The ordination commenced with deeply moving cultural rituals, reflecting the rich traditions of the Solomon Islands.
Members of Bishop Jacob Aba’s family from Dala and Ususue formally presented him to the Church, a powerful sign of communal support and gratitude to God for the gift of a new shepherd.
In a solemn moment, Bishop Jacob Aba lay prostrate before the altar as the Litany of the Saints was sung.
Archbishop Cardone then laid hands on the Bishop-elect, followed by the assisting bishops, and prayed the Prayer of Consecration, through
which Fr. Jacob Aba was ordained a Bishop by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The sacred rites continued with the anointing of the Bishop’s head with Sacred Chrism, a sign of his participation in the fullness of Christ’s priesthood. He was then presented with the Book of the Gospels, entrusted to proclaim the Word of God with fidelity and courage.
The Ring, symbol of his fidelity to the Church, the Miter, sign of his call to holiness, and the Crosier, the staff of the Good Shepherd, were bestowed upon him by the Principal Consecrator.
Archbishop Cardone then led Bishop Jacob Aba to the Cathedral, the Bishop’s chair, formally installing him as the Bishop of the Diocese of Auki, amid warm applause and joyful thanksgiving from the faithful.
In his homily, Archbishop Cardone reflected on the words of St. John Paul II, written to the Universal Church at the beginning of the new millennium, calling the Church to remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with hope.
He invited the faithful to give thanks for the history of the Catholic Church in Malaita, recalling how the faith was first planted in Malaita by the Marist Society who courageously began the mission, planting the seeds of faith with strong determination, deep trust in God, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
From those humble beginnings, the Catholic faith continues to grow and flourish in Malaita today.
Archbishop Cardone reminded the congregation that Bishop Jacob Aba SM is the fourth Bishop of Auki, and he paid tribute to his predecessors.
He recalled with gratitude the late Bishop Gerald Loft SM of New Zealand, the first Bishop of Auki, who served Malaita for 46 years and led the Diocese from 1984 to 2004, laying strong foundations for Catholic family life and vocations. Today, Malaita has the highest number of diocesan priests within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
He also reflected on his own service as second Bishop of Auki (2004–2016) under the motto “Serve the Lord with gladness,” during which new schools, training centres, and diocesan initiatives were established.
He then acknowledged Bishop Peter Houhou, the first local Bishop of Auki, who served faithfully under the motto “I have come not to be served but to serve,” before being appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Gizo.
Turning to the newly ordained Bishop, Archbishop Cardone gave thanks for Marist Bishop Jacob Aba, who continues the Marist tradition of humility and service in the spirit of Mary’s “Yes” to God’s will.
He praised the joyful liturgy, rich cultural expressions, and sacred music that helped the faithful to pray, worship, and give glory to God.
During the ceremony, Bishop Jacob Aba paid tribute to his predecessors, late Bishop Gerald Loft SM Bishop Peter Houhou and Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, acknowledging their pastoral leadership and service to the Diocese of Auki.
The celebration was attended by a significant delegation of key government officials, both local and national.
Among them was the Solomon Islands Member of Parliament for West Guadalcanal Constituency, Hon. Mary Daniella Garu and the Member of Parliament for North West Guadalcanal Hon Francis Sade.Hon Sade highlighting the national importance of the occasion and the strong
relationship between Church and State.
In a message conveyed by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, warm congratulations were extended to the newly ordained Bishop.
The Nuncio expressed deep appreciation for Fr. Jeffrey Puritau, who faithfully served as Diocesan Administrator during the period when the Diocese was without a bishop, ensuring continuity of pastoral care and leadership.
Addressing Bishop Jacob Aba, the Apostolic Nuncio reminded him that the Diocese of Auki is now his new family, where he is called to be father and shepherd.
He pointed to the episcopal chair as the place where Jesus the Good Shepherd has placed him, urging him not to be afraid to respond with generosity to this call.
Drawing from the words of St. Paul, he encouraged the new Bishop to imitate the Apostle who said, “I have become all things to all people, that I might save at least some. All this I do for the sake of the Gospel.”
The Nuncio invited the priests to warmly welcome their new Bishop and encouraged Bishop Aba to embrace his priests with open arms, reminding him that they are his first and closest brothers, sharing together the great responsibility of leading God’s people toward richer pastures of faith, hope, and charity.
He also addressed the baptized faithful of the Diocese of Auki, calling on them to welcome their new pastor with love and prayer. “May your prayers for your Bishop never fail,” he said, expressing the hope that Bishop Aba will receive strong participation, cooperation, and support from the entire diocesan community.
He urged the faithful to love their Bishop and pastor as they love Christ, just as the Bishop is called to love the Church as Christ loves her.
The Apostolic Nuncio concluded by extending his best wishes and blessings, along with the blessing and good wishes of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, upon Bishop Jacob Aba and the entire Diocese of Auki.
The Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Bishop Jacob Aba, the fourth Bishop of Auki, marked a new chapter for the Diocese, a chapter rooted in gratitude, lived with joy, strengthened by unity, and guided by hope in Christ.
– Catholic Communication
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