A New Chapter for the Church in New Caledonia: Installation of Archbishop Susitino Sionepoe

On Saturday, 12 April 2025, the Cathedral of St Joseph in Nouméa, New Caledonia, hosted a significant and joyful event - the installation of Monsignor Susitino Sionepoe as the new Archbishop of Nouméa.

The new Archbishop, Susitino Sionepoe.

Outgoing Archbishop Calvert.

Archbishop Sionepoe, a Marist Father, previously served as the Bishop of Wallis and Futuna, a suffragan diocese of the Archdiocese of Noumea. His appointment marks a new era following the extraordinary 44-year episcopacy of Mgr Michel Calvet, also a Marist Father, whose decades of service have left a lasting impact on the Church in the region.

The procession was preceded by dancers from the Wetr troupe from Lifou.

The procession down the central aisle, greeted by the faithful, before arriving in the cathedral choir.

The installation ceremony was attended by members of the wider Marist family.

Representing the Marist Brothers community at Paita were Br Georges Benigaud and Br Neville Solomon, the Visitor to New Caledonia, who stood in for Br Peter Carroll, Provincial of the Star of the Sea. The Marist Missionary Sisters (SMSM) were also present, represented by Sr Margaret Ryan, Regional Superior for Asia and the Pacific.

Sadly, Br Jean-Paul Delesalle, was unable to attend due to a serious knee injury that has left him reliant on assistance and unable to travel. However, he was able to join the community in spirit by watching the ceremony via live stream.

Br Georges, Sr Margaret Ryan smsm, Br Neville at the Installation of the new Archbishop of New Caledonia.

The occasion was both a celebration of continuity and renewal, honoring the legacy of Mgr Calvet while embracing the fresh leadership of Archbishop Sionepoe.

Words and photos courtesy of Br Neville Solomon, New Caledonia.