His Holiness Pope Francis on Tuesday appointed a first local as the new Bishop of Auki Diocese of the Catholic Church.
He is Rev. Father Peter Houhou. He is currently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Honiara and Administrator of Holy Cross Cathedral.
He was born in Marau October 10, 1966 and he is from Makina, Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Even though Peter is from Marau he has ethnic roots in Ulawa and in West Are-are.
His parent the late Mr. Luke Iawai from Ulawa and late Mrs. Salome Sautareia from West Areare.
They have six children, late Peter Marau Houhou, Abraham Taroainimae, Saniela Atohui, Fr. Peter Houhou (Bishop elect) and Elizabeth Nunuhia.
Peter was ordained priest in July 3, 1999 by His Grace Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Thomas Smith SM after he completed his studies at Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana Port Moresby.
His ordination theme was “Take up your Cross and follow me.” Luke 9:23.
The Catholic Diocese of Auki has an estimated population of 50,000 people who live in more than 270 Catholic Communities which comprise the 11 parish regions of the Diocese.
The 34 priests and 21 religious sisters of the Diocese along with the more than 500 lay catechists will be happy to welcome the first local Catholic Bishop.
Fr. Peter Houhou is the 3rd Bishop of Auki and has had current Archbishop Chris Cardone, OP as his predecessor.
The Diocese of Auki was begun in 1984 and long serving New Zealand Marist Missionary: late Bishop Gerald Francis LOFT, SM founded the Diocese.
Details of Bishop-elect Peter Houhou’s Ordination will be decided by the Auki Diocesan Administrator and the leaders of Auki Cathedral Parish of St. Augustine.
Ministries and offices held:
July 1999 to April 2000: Assistant Parish Priest of Ruavatu Parish, Honiara
April 2000 to May 2006: Parish Priest – Makina Parish in Marau, Honiara
May 2006 to Feb. 2015: Parish Priest – Visale Parish, Honiara
May 2011 – present: Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Honiara
1 Feb. 2015 – present: Administrator of Holy Cross Cathedral, Honiara
May Christ the GOOD SHEPHERD through our NEW BISHOP, continue to lead and guide the Catholic Church on Malaita and the Solomon Islands.
Sr. Sesilia Sala FMA
Director
Catholic Media
