“Be a Good Shepherd,” Bishop-Elect Aba Tells Graduates at St. Martin RTC Tenaru

On Tuesday, 4th November 2025, St. Martin Rural Training Centre (RTC) at Tenaru celebrated its graduation ceremony. The event began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop-Elect Fr. Jacob Aba SM and assisted by Fr. Godfrey SM at the St. Martin de Porres Chapel. 

During his homily, Fr. Aba asked the graduates: “Are you a good shepherd? Do your family and community trust you to be a leader?”

He reflected on the graduation theme, “Education: Nurturing Innovation and Change,” and encouraged students to fully embrace leadership and service in their lives. 

He noted that while the theme is inspiring, some graduates still need to develop leadership skills and pastoral care. 

Fr. Aba emphasized that men should be prepared to provide for and protect their families, both spiritually and physically, while women are called to nurture spiritual life and good character within their families. 

Fr. Aba reminded students of St. Martin de Porres’ teachings to love God and one another. He challenged the graduates to cultivate this mindset, innovate with heart, and use the knowledge and skills gained at St. Martin RTC to positively impact their families, communities, and the nation. 

He also encouraged students to avoid negative influences such as drugs such as Copen, Marijuana and alcohol as Kwaso, and to live lives marked by dignity, values, and integrity.

Mr. Jackson Meke, Education Provider Secretary, delivered a keynote address celebrating the school’s 50-year legacy. 

He acknowledged St. Martin RTC as a beacon of hope for rural youth, highlighting how it has transformed countless lives through practical skills in agriculture, carpentry, mechanics, and life skills. 

He emphasized that the institution goes beyond technical training, forming young men and women in Christian character, and teaching that service is the highest form of leadership.

He encouraged graduates to be the kind of leaders who bring healing, creativity, and positive change to their communities. 

“This moment is also one of renewal, especially as we align our mission with the Education Act 2023, which recognizes education providers such as the Archdiocese of Honiara. 

The Act gives clarity and responsibility to providers, schools, and stakeholders, affirming that ownership and governance must work together for quality, accountability, and sustainability,” Mr. Meke stated. 

The school principal, Sr. Antonia Leoa OP, acknowledged the students, parents, stakeholders, and benefactors for their support in making the two-day celebration a success. 

She thanked the graduates for their contributions and urged them to carry forward the values and skills learned at St. Martin RTC. 

Outgoing Head Boy, Mr. Hamilton, representing the graduating students expressed gratitude to the school, teachers, parents, and stakeholders for their guidance and support throughout their time at St. Martin RTC. 

The celebration concluded with feasting and entertainment by the students and communities. 

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Catholic Communications statement