Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP of Honiara, Solomon Islands, has a habit of saying “yes” to the Holy Spirit’s plans. Source: The Catholic Leader.
His continual yes has led him to shepherd the Church halfway around the world.
The American-born Dominican Archbishop of Honiara has spent almost four decades in the South Pacific after what he describes as a providential change of plans.
Recently in Brisbane visiting his Dominican brothers, Archbishop Cardone reflected on the missionary journey that unexpectedly led him to the Solomon Islands and the vibrant Catholic community he now calls home.
“I was supposed to go to Pakistan,” he said. “But they couldn’t get me a visa.
“I always joke that my mother was praying I wouldn’t get one – and mothers’ prayers are more powerful than fathers’ prayers.”
Instead, the young Dominican friar was sent to Australia and eventually the Solomon Islands for what was meant to be a temporary assignment. He never left.
Today, at 68, he leads the Honiara Archdiocese, where more than 8000 people attend Sunday Mass at the cathedral each week across four liturgies.
It is a long way from Rhode Island, where his vocation first began.
Archbishop Cardone originally enrolled at Providence College, the Dominican university in the United States, intending to study business.
“After one year I changed my major and began discerning religious life,” he said.
From early on he was drawn to missionary work.
The Dominicans had missions in Pakistan and Peru and he hoped to serve overseas.
Instead, that missionary desire eventually led him to the Solomon Islands, where he discovered a Church filled with faith, music and young people.
“The people have a beautiful devotion to Our Lady and a devotion to the Eucharist,” he said. That gives the Church great strength.”
FULLS TORY
A shepherd in the Solomon Islands – Archbishop Cardone finds joy serving in the South Pacific (By Matt Emerick, The Catholic Leader)
