SOLOMON ISLANDS BISHOPS AND PRIESTS REUNITE IN ROME AFTER CANONIZATION OF ST. PETER TO ROT

The canonization of St. Peter To Rot, the first saint from Papua New Guinea, became a moment of faith, unity, and joy for the Solomon Islands clergy who attended the historic event in Rome.

Among the delegates representing the Solomon Islands were His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone, OP, Most Rev. Bishop Peter Houhou, and Fr. Jefferey Puritau,
who joined the bishops and priests from Papua New Guinea for the canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Leo at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Following the canonization, the Solomon Islands delegation had a joyful reunion with Fr. Denis Levi, SM, Fr. Joseph Choumate, and Brother Hansford Mane, who are
currently studying in Rome.

In a post shared on his social media page, Fr. Denis Levi expressed his heartfelt gratitude, saying: “It was such a blessing to have this small get-together after the canonization. St. Peter To Rot brought us together today, and you all brought home closer.”

The encounter highlighted the strong bond of fraternity among the clergy of the Pacific, united by their shared mission of faith and service to the people of God.

During his homily at the canonization, Pope Leo reminded the faithful of the importance of prayer in sustaining faith: “We need to pray always and not lose heart (Lk 18:1). Just as we never grow weary of breathing, so let us never grow weary of praying. As breathing sustains the life of the body, so prayer sustains the life of the soul.”

Reflecting on the occasion, Archbishop Chris Cardone, OP, shared: “St. Peter To Rot’s witness reminds us that holiness is lived through daily faithfulness and courage. His life is a powerful example for the Pacific Church – to remain steadfast in truth, love, and service to Christ, even in times of challenge.”

The canonization of St. Peter To Rot is a historic moment for the Church in Oceania, strengthening ties between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and inspiring renewed zeal for mission and prayer across the Pacific.

The celebration concluded with feasting of thanksgiving, as families, fellow religious, and parishioners rejoiced in this new chapter of the La Pieta Sisters’ mission in the Solomon Islands.

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– Catholic Communication Solomon