In a vibrant display of devotion, the Catholic Archdiocese of Honiara concluded the Month of the Rosary with its fifth annual Marian Motorcade on October 25-26.
Hundreds of faithful gathered at Christ the King Parish in Tetere, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary through the Holy Rosary—a powerful prayer sequence that invites believers to meditate on key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary.
The Rosary, often called the “Gospel in miniature,” is a form of prayer where each “decade” focuses on one of the major mysteries of faith—covering joyful, sorrowful, glorious, and luminous events in the life of Christ. By praying the Rosary, Catholics reflect on these moments, deepening their understanding of Christ’s teachings and the Blessed Mother’s role in salvation history.
The event began Friday evening with a Rosary and Adoration service led by Christ the King Parish, followed by confessions and talks from Father James Ere’ai and Father Michael Toisuta on the theme, “With Mary We Praise God in All Creation.”
Through this theme, they emphasized the Rosary’s importance as a guide to contemplation, allowing believers to grow closer to God through prayer and reflection.
The evening closed with a period of personal reflection and prayer, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion.
In the early hours of Saturday, October 26th, the motorcade procession, led by Holy Cross Parish Youth, set off at 4:00 a.m. with hundreds of vehicles decorated with rosary-themed designs.
The motorcade journeyed from Christ the King Parish in Tetere to Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara, stopping at 20 prayer stations along the way.
At each station, participants joined in prayer and song, strengthening their community bond and honoring Mary’s intercession.
This year’s motorcade emphasized the Rosary’s role in summarizing the Gospels, with each decade guiding participants through events from Jesus’ birth and ministry to His death and resurrection.
Families and communities from Northeast Guadalcanal to East Guadalcanal prepared altars, joining the procession in reciting the Rosary and welcoming the motorcade with reverence.
Upon arrival at Holy Cross Cathedral, the youth presented the Statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to a group of Catholic women, who led a final prayer session.
The event concluded with a Holy Mass celebrated by Cathedral Parish Priest Fr. Joseph Roma, assisted by Fr. Peter Kevin. In his homily, Fr. Roma expressed appreciation for the youth’s dedication, quoting the Blessed Mother’s “Magnificat” (Luke 1:46-55) as a testament to her humility and strength.
Sarah Manedetea, Women’s Coordinator for the Archdiocese, highlighted the spiritual impact of the motorcade, saying, “The Marian Motorcade reconnects us with the heart of the Rosary, helping us meditate on Christ’s life and reminding us of the importance of prayer in our lives.”
The 5th Marian Motorcade concluded the Month of the Rosary with a powerful display of faith, unity, and devotion, reinforcing the Catholic community’s dedication to the Blessed Mother Mary and her guiding role in drawing believers closer to Christ.
By Catholic Communication Solomon Islands
