Greetings of peace to you all!

Today, Saturday January 24th, 2026 becomes another momentum occasion in the Catholic  Diocese of Auki. Now a new bishop has been consecrated for the diocese. He is Fr. Jacob Aba s.m., a Malaitan and a member of Marist Society. He was appointed by his Holiness Pope Leo XIV in October 2025, following the transferring of Bishop Peter Houhou to the Diocese of Gizo.

People came from places all around Malaita even as far as from Guadalcanal to witness and celebrate the historical occasion which takes place in St. Augustine’s cathedral in Auki town. Archbishop Chris Cardone Op is the main celebrant of the consecration Mass, with fellow Bishop con-celebrants in the likes of;

*Archbishop Marisio Bravi (Apostolic Nuncio for PNG/SI *Bp, Rosario Menezes (PNG) *Bp, John Bosco s.m. (Vanuatu) *Bp, Peter Houhou (Gizo) *Bp, Luciano Capelli (Emeritus Bishop of Gizo,,)

Many Priests and religious sisters and brothers were also present, including heads of other sister denominations with government dignitaries. The participation of all makes the celebration successful and meaningful. In the speech of the Apostolic Nuncio to the congregation, he urges the new Bishop to be “a good shepherd to guide, care, watches and lead the flock of God”. A powerful and challenging speech.

After the consecration celebration ended, in usual custom of Malaita, a huge feasting is put on for all. Every body eats and enjoys themselves with the varieties of foods placed before them. When feasting ends, custom dancing carries on until late in the evening before the program ended.

With wishes and regards to you all!

Yours sincerely in Christ!

Fr. Albert Kalu