May the Sacred Heart of Jesus Be Everywhere Loved, Forever!

Transcription

1 SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART, MSC NOVITIATE, WAINADOI, FIJI. FORMATION HOUSE, WAILOKU PO BOX 585, NABUA, FIJI ISLANDS May the Sacred Heart of Jesus Be Everywhere Loved, Forever! 24 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 PARISHES ST AGNES PARISH, SAMABULA. HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, VEIVATULOA. MSC FORMATION THE CHURCH IN CHUUK, FSM FAMILY IN SOCIETY ST AGNES PRIMARY SCHOOL SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIA- TION YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE NEWS AND EVENTS OBITUARIES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CHILDREN S CORNER MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS MSC OVERSEAS MISSION COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS PASTORAL MINISTRIES MSC APOSTOLATE (CHEVALIER HOSTEL & CHEVALIER TRAIN- ING CENTRE)

2 Content EDITORIAL NEWS AND EVENTS FORMATION: PRE-NOVITIATE, WAINADOI POST-NOVITIATE (MSC SEMINARIANS) FAMILY VALUES IN SOCIETY...9 TAKE TIME TO PRAY CHEVALIER HOSTEL. 10 CLIMATE CHANGE AND WITNESS A JOY EVER NEW, A JOY WHICH IS SHARED IS PENANCE RELEVANT TO YOUR REAL NEEDS?...12 YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE...13 BUILDING ST AGNES NOURISHING AND SHARING OUR CATHOLIC FAITH WITH STUDENTS BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE TIKINA OF VEIVATULOA...16 T THE CHURCH IN CHUUK (TRUK), FSM OVERSEAS MISSION: GUATEMALA OBITUARIES...20 CHILDREN S CORNER HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ADVERTISEMENT.. 23 ANNALS COMMITTEE 2014: EDITOR: Br Robati Tebaiuea msc MEMBERS : Fr Tamati Sefo msc, Br Paul Kaufuti msc, Br Johnny Arnold jr msc, Br Sepulona Tolai msc Front page A young coconut rooted on a land that surrounded by a vast ocean. A common symbol and a significant social emblem connecting all Pacific Island countries and so do the Church today. GRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Br Robati Tebaiuea MSC. ADDRESS: MSC FORMATION HOUSE, WAILOKU VILLAGE, PO BOX 585, NABUA, FIJI ISLANDS. PHONE #: (+679) OR mscpuannals@gmail.com Website: Back page The Shrine of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at the Sacred Heart Novitiate, Waindoi, Fiji Islands. It was built this year by the Novices, Pre-novices and three of Fr Keleto s family members from the Island of Futuna. Printed by : Remington Ltd. 2 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

3 Non- communicable diseases (NCD Tree) are those sicknesses that cannot be spread from people to people. They include heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney problems (FRUITS of the NCD Tree). In Fiji it is the biggest killer accounting for 77% of all deaths. They are sometimes referred to as Lifestyle Diseases because they are mostly caused unhealthy living habits like shown by the NCD Tree on the left like smoking, eating junk food and physical inactivity (ROOTS of the NCD Tree). These in turn increases the risk factors like high blood pressure and high blood sugar (STEM of the NCD Tree). However the good news is that they are preventable (NCD Prevention Healthy Tree). By living an active lifestyle and eating healthy meals (ROOTS) we reduce the NCD s risk factors (STEM) and improve our health in body and mind (FRIUTS). T Editorial he headline of this 2014 issue, Living the Joy of the Gospel, is adapted from the Conference of Major Superiors of Pacific Islands (CMSPI) logo. The symbol they use is a young growing coconut tree. The logo itself was aptly taken from Pope Francis apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel. In the Pacific a coconut tree signifies sustenance and identity. That is why I would like to use it also as the symbol of the MSC PU annals A coconut tree is a common symbol and a significant social emblem connecting all Pacific Island countries. Most of the Pacific Island theologians describe a coconut tree as a meaningful and important tree in relation to the study of Contextual Theology. It also provides many necessities as well, such as shelter, food, drink, oil and medicine. Almost every single parts of the coconut tree from the roots to the top is useful. A young coconut tree is often used by theologians, poets, artists, politicians, even religious, as a symbol of a new life emerging. The CMSPI uses it as a symbol of A new Life in a New Evangelization. As a young coconut tree begins to emerge from its shell it embraces its Creator. Its palm leaves are like hands elevated and stretched out towards the heavens, praising and acknowledging God in JOY. As a young coconut grows its value increases for the benefit of humanity fulfilling the will of its Creator. Pope Francis said, [A] profound law of reality: that life is attained and matures in the measure that it is offered up in order Br Robati Tebaiuea msc to give life to others. God created everything out of love for a purpose including man and woman. And the purpose is SERVICE. God created the coconut tree to serve the need of mankind and mankind as its stewards in return. And so we are created for a purpose, that is to serve. A coconut tree gives meaning to our lives in many ways. You can tell by its strong physical structure, its nature, its beauty, its purpose, its figure, its dancing in the wind, its strong roots, its fruits, its sweet smell, its taste and its patience. An emerged new life, that s symbolized by a young coconut tree, is also an analogy of the joy of the resurrection of Christ in our pacific context. And this analogy assures us of our hope and joy that are guaranteed by our loving service to each other. The MSC PU Annals tries its very best to be instrument of hope and joy of the Gospel by means of proclamation in publishing articles and stories within the pacific region. And to do so, all the articles, news, events, reflections and stories in this magazine are contributed by different communities and apostolates within the Pacific Union. Even some of the MSC students share their personal reflections on their vocation and pastoral journey. We also have contributions from parishes especially St Agnes Parish and Holy Spirit Parish who enlighten us with their brief historical foundations. These historical accounts are testaments and proofs of the selfless service of those who had gone before us in spreading the Gospel. They leave behind a legacy of their faith for the Church of today to follow. As we begin the Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis reminds and encourages each and everyone to re-evangelize the Gospel. To be instruments of Hope and Joy in today s world. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong s motto on his coat of arms states To Be Church in the World. These would be the ultimate purpose of this Annals magazine in the years to come. On behalf of the MSC PU Annals 2014 committee my sincere thanks to all those who contribute by writing to us their articles to be published and those who continue in supporting us in making this magazine a successful one. May the Risen Lord, the Joy of heaven and earth, strengthens our faith; hope and love so that we may also taste the fullness of joy in his Kingdom. 22 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

4 The Annual Retreat This year s annual retreat was held in Wailoku from 4 th 10 th May during the break after term one at PRS. The retreat was hosted by Father Albert Yelds the longest and oldest serving MSC in the Pacific Union. It was really a privellage and an honour for most us to listen and learn from one of the founding members of the Union. He has spent all this time in the Union working in Kiribati and he has touched the lives of many with his love and faithful service. News and OBITUARIES events Here are some insights that he shared with us. Be simple and be aware of simple gestures like the sign of the cross. They are powerful symbols when practised in faith. Be humble and acknowledge your own sinfulness. God s power is manifested in your weakness. Our Lady of the Sacred Heart feast day On the last Saturday of May the Chevalier family in Suva celebrated the feast of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Saint Agnes Parish. The celebration started with the holy mass at 8 am, led by the parish priest himself Fr. Lopeti Manu. Fr. Tamati and Fr. Simon concelebrated with him. The brothers from Wailoku led the choir and were joined by sisters with some parishioners. Sr. Teneti from Kiribati serving in Nauru was also present. In his homily Fr. Lopeti talked about discipleship and who could provide a better example than Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. After the mass we were all invited to the sister s convent for a hearty breakfast. The sisters really made us feel at home with their generous hospitality and smiling faces. In the evening the brothers were again invited to dinner by the sisters. This time the two communities just enjoyed each other s company and shared stories around the kava bowl. Our sisters here had also asked the brothers to chat with some young people in France who are under the care of Sr. Mariteiti from Kiribati who is now part of the French province. All in all it was wonderful day and many thanks to the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart here in Saint Agnes Parish. The Sacred Heart Feast day The 27 th of June was a special day for the members of the Chevalier FAMILY as it was the feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart is the inspiration of both the Archdiocese of Suva and the missionary societies founded by Father Jules Chevalier. The feast was celebrated at Saint Agnes Parish beginning with the Mass. For the main celebrant Fr. Tavita it was an extra special day because it was his first mass in the Parish since he was ordained the year before. Fr. Simi serving in Live for others and sacrifice your own self-interest. the United States of America was also present with Fr. Have a sense of humour especially during trials. Simon and Fr. Fr Tamati. Ioteba The Kanono lively liturgy msc was led by the Be available for others, serving him especially in the communities of Fr Saint Ioteba John Kanono Baptist was and born Saint 3 rd Catherine March 1946 of at poor. Sienna in Cunningham. his village of After Rawannawi, the Mass Marakei, everyone Kiribati. was He did Ask for charism from the Holy Spirit that will set you invited his most to early the hall education where in a Kiribati. ceremonial In 1964 dinner at the was age prepared. of 18 he and others on fire. started As his usual seminarial all had studies contributed in Papua and New the Guinea. brothers After his novitiate as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart in 1970, he from Wainadoi and Wailoku prepared lovo food. Entertainment followed the meal while kava flowed freely Become God substitutes on earth by living holy continued his studies at Bomana Major Seminary in Papua New lives. Guinea. He was one of the few of our early confreres who did their through seminarial the night. studies Everyone in PNG was before in a festive the Pacific mood Regional and Prepare for the proper reception of the Eucharist. It Seminary the Chevalier was established family was in happy In to 1975 celebrate after the completion annual is necessary for our life. of his event studies with the made parishioners his final of vows Saint and Agnes. was ordained a deacon in PNG. On the 18 th of July 1977 he was ordained into After the retreat the seminarians and final professed members celebrated the anniversary of the founding of the Pacific Union As a priest he served in many Parishes in the diocese of Kiribati priesthood in the MSC by Bishop Peter Guichet MSC. along with the arrival of the first MSC in Kiribati. but mostly at Saint Joseph s Parish at Bikenibeu where he also build the new extended church after the old one became too small. He also built maneabas in the communities he served in. Apart from being a carpenter, he was also renowned musician who could play a variety of instruments including the violin and the cello. He was also a fixer who could mend watches and repair car engines. He also served in the other Pacific Islands of Marshall Islands as teacher at the Queen of Peace High School and Parish Priest of Nauru. Fr Ioteba died on the 27th of September, 2014 at the age of 68. He would be remembered as an artist, a quiet unassuming priest but mostly as a silent WORKER like Saint Joseph - Model Patron and of all those who love the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Pray for Us. Sacred Heart Feast Day, St Agnes Parish. 4 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 Children s Corner Family Bible Crossword Fill the missing names or words using the Bible and put them in the crossword puzzle. Parents are advised to accompany their Children in this exercise. Across The Mission of the Twelve, Matthew 10: 1 4 Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness. The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon called 1, and his brother 2 ; 3, the son of Zebedee, and his brother 4 ; 5 and 6, 7 and 8 the tax collector; 9, the son of Alphaeus, and 10 ; 11 the Cananean, and 12 Iscariot who betrayed him. Down Announcement of the Birth of Jesus, Luke 1: In the 13 month, the angel 14 was sent from God to a town of Galilee called 15, to a virgin bethrothed to a man named 16, of the house of 17, and the virgin s name was 18. And coming to her, he said, 19, full of 20! The 21 is with you. But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a 22, and you shall name him 23. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most 24, and the Lord God will give him the 25 of David his father, and he uestion & nswer 1. How many fruits of the Holy Spirit and name them? (read the answers in Galatians 5: 22-23) 2. Jesus was born in (circle the correct answer). A. the Hotel in Bethlehem B. the Hospital in Bethlehem C. the House for animals in Bethlehem. 3. Why did God send his Son, Jesus to us? (write your answer) will rule over the house of 26 forever, and of his 27 there will be no end , Answers: Hail, Jesus, Kingdom, Jacob, James, Grace, Simon, Thomas, Lord, Son, Mary, Judas, Matthew, Throne, Thaddeus, Bartholomew, Sixth, Peter, Gabriel, Philip, Andrew, Nazareth, Joseph, David, James, John, High MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS , Matching (draw a line to match each term) Husband of Mary Baptism Archangel Pope Sacrament St Joseph Vicar of Christ Gabriel 7 26 The younger ones should therefore honor the older ones, and the older ones should love the younger ones. St Benedict of Nursa (ca ) By birth I am an Albanian, by citizenship an Indian; I am a Catholic sister. By my mission I belong to the whole world, but my heart belongs to Jesus alone. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta ( )

5 OBITUARIES FR JOHN IKATAERE RARIKIN MSC By Br Johnny Arnold jr MSC I am very happy to write this article about my short time staying with the late Fr. John Ikatere msc at St. Agnes parish. I would like to share some of the insights I learned from my esteemed confrere and the precious experience of those unforgettable moments. I first met Fr. John many years ago back at home in Chuuk. I was still attending primary school then and also served in mass as an altar boy. What I remember of him was that he was a very calm and gentle person. As long I can remember, the only time have heard speak is when he says mass and when he gives speeches in big occasions. He was also very much respected by the clergies and the people of the diocese because at the time he was the oldest among the Priests and even the Bishop himself. I was blessed to have come to know and serve him at the parish. Fr. John was not feeling well the last time I was with him. As we all knew he was suffering from kidney problems and was on dialysis twice a week. But he would always make an effort to say mass when he comes back from his dialysis treatment after only a few minutes rest. What I see from that was his love and commitment for his priesthood. He was willing to perform his priestly duties even though he was not well. With this example he showed me the kind of commitment that I should have toward my vocation and to have love for it as well. Many times we would sit down together and he would share with me about his experience through his own vocation journey and his ministries on the missions. Sometimes he would laugh or shed tears as he recalls those fond memories which revealed how much LOVE he shared in the life of service he gave to the people and the places where he worked. This is the LIFE of a MISSIONARY; not only doing faithful service but also to love them as well with the human heart as Jesus showed us. Thank You Fr. John for being faithful witness to the LOVE of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. You have inspired me in my vocation as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. Eternal rest grant to him O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Fr. Nauaati Kaewaua MSC Nauaati Kaewaua was born on the 12 th of August 1967 in Koinawa, Abaiang Kiribati. He was the second eldest in a family of four boys and one girl. He did his Primary education at our Lady of the Sacred Heart Primary School in Teoaraereke and did his secondary education at King George V School, Bikenibiu. Later he studied English at the University of the South Pacific Centre in Kiribati. Before joining the MSC he was a teacher and storekeeper for three years. In 1990 he studied at Kiribati Pastoral Institute and entered the novitiate at Manoku on the 25 th January A year later he made his first Profession on the same date. From he taught religious education at King George V School and also looked after the Chevalier Bookshop. He did his seminarian studies at PRS from and made his Final Vows on the 8 th December In 2002 he was assigned to Saint Joseph Parish, Bikenbiu and to Abaiang Catholic Church a year later. From he taught religious education at Chevalier College, Abemama. In 2009 he worked at the Holy Cross Parish in Chuuk. He was ordained Deacon on 26 th April 2009 at Chevalier College, Abemama and on the 28 th November of the same year he was ordained Priest in Tarawa. From then he returned to Chevalier College as Chaplin and Teacher. Nauaati died on Saturday 5 th July this year after suffering from diabetes and was laid to rest on the 7 th of July in Teaoraereke. May he rest in peace. 20 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 Fr. John Ikatere Rarikin MSC aged 60 years died on the 8 th of February at the Sacred Heart House, Wailoku. He was suffering from kidney failure and had been receiving dialysis treatment for more than two years. He had been an MSC priest for 41 years. Fr. John was born 6 th January 1944, on the island of Butaritari, Kiribati from a family of 4 boys and 6 girls. 6 th January 1944 John Ikatere Rarikin is born on the island of Butaritari, Kiribati Studies at St. Peter Channel Seminary in Ulapia, Kokopo, PNG 1965 Enters the novitiate 2 nd March 1966 Makes First Profession Continue seminarian studies at De Boismenu College, Bomana, PNG. 30 th September 1972 Ordained Priest Parish priest in various parishes around Kiribati (Diocese of Tarawa and Nauru) Studies at the Gregorian University in Rome and obtains a Licentiate in Biblical Theology Lecturer in PRS, Suva Studies in Manila, Philippines on formation Novice Master at Manoku, Kiribati Lecturer in Sacred Scripture and Vice Rector at PRS, Suva Chaplin at Saramen Chuuk Academy, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia Parish priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia First Councillor and Deputy Superior of the MSC Pacific Union 2011 Appointed as the Ecclesiastical Superior of Sui Iuris mission of Funafuti, Tuvalu. The Resurrection mass was celebrated at Saint Agnes Parish and the main celebrant was Archbishop Peter Loy Chong who had once studied under him at PRS. He was laid to rest beside Fr. Niko Taukeinikoro MSC at the MSC Formation Centre, Wailoku. Fr Ioteba Kanono msc Fr Ioteba Kanono was born 3 rd March 1946 at his village of Rawannawi, Marakei, Kiribati. He did his most early education in Kiribati. In 1964 at the age of 18 he started his seminarial studies in Papua New Guinea. After his novitiate as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart in 1970, he continued his studies at Bomana Major Seminary in Papua New Guinea. He was one of the few of our early confreres who did their seminarial studies in PNG before the Pacific Regional Seminary was established in In 1975 after the completion of his studies he made his final vows and was ordained a deacon in PNG. On the 18 th of July 1977 he was ordained into priesthood in the MSC by Bishop Peter Guichet MSC. As a priest he served in many Parishes in the diocese of Kiribati but mostly at Saint Joseph s Parish at Bikenibeu where he also build the new extended church after the old one became too small. He also built maneabas in the communities he served in. Apart from being a carpenter, he was also renowned musician who could play a variety of instruments including the violin and the cello. He was also a fixer who could mend watches and repair car engines. He also served in the other Pacific Islands of Marshall Islands as teacher at the Queen of Peace High School and Parish Priest of Nauru. Fr Ioteba died on the 27th of September, 2014 at the age of 68. He would be remembered as an artist, a quiet unassuming priest but mostly as a silent WORKER like Saint Joseph - Model Patron and of all those who love the Sacred Heart of Jesus - Pray for Us. News and events Vocation Awareness Programme at Saint Agnes and Holy Spirit Parish. By Br Paul Kaufuti msc On the 14 th of June and 12 th of July the MSC first years Paul, Sepulona and Johnny, with Robati a senior student took part with OLSH sisters of Nabua (Sr. Vita and Sr. Merieiti) in a vocation awareness programme for the youths of Saint Agnes and Holy Spirit Parishes. At Saint Agnes twenty six youths from eight communities By Br Vikena Sosefo msc At the end of last year Fr Keleto went to Futuna for his Christmas holiday and asked some of his relatives if they could help him build a grotto for Our Lady of the Sacred Heart at Wainadoi. On the 31th of May I accompanied two of Fr Keleto s relatives Pagatele Setefano and Maituku Tulupino to come here to Fiji. Fr. Keleto s older brother Lemo Savelio had already arrived from New Caledonia. Work started slowly because of the usual wet came while at the Holy Spirit Parish of Veivatuloa twenty three young people from four villages attended. For the team it was such a unforgettable encounter. In reaching out to the young people we had reflect deep within ourselves our own encounter with the Lord. The team shared personal Life Stories of their own vocation. Some of our stories were similar to the scriptural account of two disciples walk to Emmaus, where God often walks unrecognized in our midst.. The topics were: Heeding the call of God in our lives, the role of prayer in discerning our vocation, the history and missions of the MSC and FDNSC, Challenges. After the talks the youths were divided into weather conditions but we persevered with the help of the novices and prenovices. It took us about a month to build the shrine. On the 26 th of June the Superior of the PU Fr. Simon Mani was able to bless the shrine. I would like to thank these three generous men who share their time, talents and resources not forgetting their sacrifice of leaving their families behind. We continue to pray for our friends and helpers and may the shrine help the Chevalier family in Wainadoi give honour and devotion to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. groups for some sharing reflections and reporting back to the whole group after. We gained interesting insights from the sharing of this young people about the challenges they often face. They were also given time to ask general questions and Fr. Tamati was very impressed by the openness and honesty of their enquiry with regards to celibate life. Overall the team was happy and privileged to have sown the seeds of living holy and consecrated lives to the young people of the two parishes. Celebrating One Year Anniversary as an MSC Priest Br Beniata Bakatete msc The day started off with the Mass. It was the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. It was also the first year anniversary of Father Tavita s ordination. It was joyous occasion and day of celebration. The liturgy was lively and it really set the tone for the day. In his homily, Fr Tavita said, I chose this feast day for my ordination, as I always admire St Paul s work as a missionary but especially as a servant of God. The Parish hall was full during the social gathering. There was music and yaqona being served around the tanoa. Food was contributed by one and all and it was enough for everyone. A band from Qarasesarau provided some entertainment and there was a lot of dancing on the floor. A word of thanks to the parishoners of Our Lady of the Assumption, for their love and support to their parish priest Fr. Tavita. May God bless you and your families. Our Lady of Assumption, Pray for us. (Br Beniata Bakatete msc is a 5th Year Seminarian and he is in pastoral year programme with Br Eric Katoa msc at Lomary Parish which is looked after by Fr Tavita Lemusu msc). MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

6 Formation Daniel Silva Living in the community we learn to become one family by sharing with each other working and praying together. The 16 th of February was an unforgettable day of my life be- Pre-novices and Novices entertained the people during the Feast of the Sacred Heart, St Agnes Parish. Pre-novices English class Pre-novitiate, wainadoi cause it was my first experience of going on a long walk for my pastoral in the village and I realise it is not easy. The visitation to me is part of being a Missionary of the Sacred Heart. I have to try my best and believe that with God nothing is impossible. Mendhy Iva Malo! I am from Futuna. This past months have been challenging because I have to learn English language. By sharing my DISCERNMENT Br Vikena Sosefo msc I shall give a new heart and put a new spirit in you. I shall remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. You shall be my people and I will be your God. (Jeremiah 31: 33) Last year on the 5 th of august I left my community and took a year out for more discernment. It was so hard for me because I thought that they were not going to support me at home. But when I arrived, my families and my friends warmly welcomed me as usual. At home I was involved in many activities. I joined the youth and worked together as a group in helping one another and those who need help from us. This way, we tried to gather us together in unity as a community. At other times I tried to help them in their spiritual life and especially in their discernment about religious life. This also 6 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 culture with people of different countries I have to learn some parts of their culture as well. To share with people, experiment things ourselves and work in this community is a good way to learn. I want thank my formators Fr. Keleto, Br. Tebweao, my brothers and those who pray for us. Ribetati Ever since I was a small boy I have always dreamt of becoming an MSC. I want to put all my effort in every activity of the community here in Wainadoi. I have learned many things about religious life and the challenges of living it. The call that I have today was from God and I trust that GOD will guide me through it. helped me to discern more and more about my own call as well. In the beginning I faced a lot of challenges while working together with them but over time I got to know everyone and understood more their own problems. Apart from the youth, I was also involved also in the building of our new chapel in my village. It took us two months for us to complete it before Christmas. I learned so many skills that would help me in building my vocation. Sometimes I go out on my own to find those who need help and assistance. I had a good time with my family, friends and the youth. And I thank God for the gift of family, friendship and of openness. The love and support I received helped me to realize that I have the strength to show the same to my brothers. In Jesus I could have a new heart and a new spirit. (Br Vikena Sosefo has returned to Wailoku formation centre to continue his seminary studies at PRS). Overseas mission: GUATEMALA GUATEMALA An amazing country and a fruitful conference One week before our MSC General Conference Fr Hans, who is the General Bursar, and I flew to Guatemala in Central America to assist the Provincial, Fr Absalon Tovar, with the final preparations for the conference. It was our first time to that part of the world and we were very excited about going there. We flew out of Rome and had a stop-over in Madrid, Spain for about 2 hours. We then flew from Madrid to Guatemala which was a 10 hour flight. We arrived at La Aurora International Airport and were met by Fr Luis and David who drove us to the Provincial House in Mixco. Beside the Provincial House is the prenovitiate and at lunchtime we met our 15 MSC students who are studying theology and looking forward to their novitiate year in the Dominican Republic. The next day Fr Hans travelled to the north of the country to visit a teachers college run by the MSCs. The college reaches out to the indigenous peoples and provides them with a teacher s education. For myself, I took the day off visiting the most beautiful lake in the world - Lake Atítlan which is 1500 meters above sea level and surrounded by 4 grand volcanoes. I shared a very The Society of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC) is an international community of religious priests and brothers who believe that nothing is more important than the saving power of God s love. The initials M.S.C come from the Latin: Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis tasty lunch of fresh fish from the lake with Fr Absalón, the Provincial Superior of the MSC Province of Central America. The average temperature around the lake is about 21 C year round so the climate is very pleasant and there are lots of tourists. Guatemala is certainly a beautiful country. The people are so very friendly, warm and welcoming. They went out of their way to really make us feel at home. And we did! It was like home away from home. The churches are full at Br Gerald Warbrooke msc every mass and the people have a profound faith. They remind me so much of us in the Pacific. Everywhere you turn there is always a smile and a Hola! to welcome you. The young people are very active in church activities and both young and old attend daily mass. Their faith is vibrant. They love music and dancing and their liturgies are very lively and meaningful. The general conference itself was a very successful one judging from the comments of the participants. There were 19 Provincial and Union superiors present at the conference along with Fr Mark, the Superior General, and his Council and with Fr Hans (General Bursar) and myself (Secretary General). We also had a great back-up of support Fr Hans, Fr Raphael, Br Gerald, Fr Simon and David. people taking down the minutes, doing simultaneous translations and keeping things running along smoothly. It was my first international meeting since working at the General House in Rome and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. And the catering was absolutely great. I think we gained a few kilos after 2 weeks of meetings. After the conference Fr Hans and I flew back to Rome, this time via San Salvador and Madrid. It had been a great trip, one which we will always cherish. (Br Gerald Warbrooke is currently Secretary General, lives in Rome). Participants of the General Conference 2014 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

7 THE CHURCH IN CHUUK, FSM Greetings to you my brothers and sisters in Christ, I am very happy to share with you in this article about the Church in my home state Chuuk (Truk). Chuuk is one of the four states in the Federated state of Micronesia (FSM) and we are under the Diocese of the Caroline Islands. The diocese consists of two countries in the in the Micronesian region, the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau. These are the countries that form the Diocese of the Caroline. Here is a brief history about the local church in Chuuk. The Catholic Church arrived in different islands in Micronesia on different dates. The faith came to Chuuk on the month of April 1911 on the shore of Lukunoch atoll. It was brought in by two German Capuchins, Fr. Gebhard Rudel and Br. Eustachius Kessler (we were a German colony at that time). By that time the protestants were already there. As time went on the Church grew and the numbers of con- Fr Augustine, Bishop Amando and Fr Lomano verts increased as years went by. Then world war one broke out in 1914 and Japanese took over our islands. In 1919 the Capuchins priests and brothers were expelled from the islands by the Japanese authorities. The catholic faithful in the islands of Chuuk had no priest and therefore there was no mass. But, they continued with their devotions and praying of the rosary every Sunday under the leadership of the local Catechists. Less than two years after the Capuchins were left they were replaced by Spanish Jesuits. In fact, it was Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto a distinguished catholic leader and the influential military leader of Japan who went to the Vatican in 1920 to petition for new missionaries for the Japanese-held islands. It was the decision of Pope Benedict XV to assign the Spanish Jesuits to this field. And by December 1920 a group of 22 Jesuit priest and brothers had left for the mission. Their leader was Fr. Santiago Lopez de Rego SJ the Jesuit superior and the Apostolic Administrator of the Islands. So they came and continued from where the Capuchins left off from. In 1923 the region became a Vicariate and Fr. Lopez de Rego was consecrated its first Bishop. In September 1945 (after the Second World War) the Japanese surrendered to the USS Portland and the American Navy took control over Chuuk. Although some of the Spanish Jesuits were still there, but the Americans wanted American missionaries instead so the Spanish Jesuits were expelled. However the Papal Nuncio intervened so the six remaining Spanish Jesuits remained in Chuuk until they died. They were buried there. In 1946 the first American Jesuit Fr. Vincent Kennally sj arrived in Chuuk. In the same year he was joined by other fellow Jesuits from the American Province. They continued with pastoral works and rebuilt the mission places that were destroyed during the war. In that same year Micronesia was named Apostolic Vicariate of the Carolines and Marshall islands with Fr. Kennally as the Apostolic Administrator and later Bishop. The hard work of all these faithful and courageous missionaries have inspired some local boys to the 18 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 Br Johnny Arnold msc priesthood. The first ordination was in the 1980 s while another seven were ordained in the 1990 s. They worked hand in hand with the old missionary priests in the parishes. On February 1980 we became Diocese of the Carolines and Bishop Martin Naylon sj who succeeded Bishop Kennally became the ordinary of the diocese. Then it was decided that the Cathedral is going to be in Chuuk, and it has remained since. In August 15, 1987 Fr. Amando Samo was consecrated Bishop and served as an auxiliary to Bishop Naylon sj. Bishop Amando succeeded Bishop Naylon in 1995 as ordinary of the Diocese. Today the number of catholics is still growing. In the year 2000, Fr. John Ikatere msc came to Chuuk and that was the beginning of the MSC presence Chuuk. After him came Fr. Tatieru Ewentang msc and then Fr. Lomano Kauvaitupu msc after his ordination. The MSC s presence in Chuuk has really helped the shortage of the priests in the islands. To conclude this is a brief sharing of history of the catholic faith in Chuuk where I grew up. In the whole Diocese, Chuuk holds the largest number of Catholic population. The majority of the local clergies and religious are also from Chuuk. Moreover vocation is still increasing. I am the first MSC from Chuuk and hope more young men will be inspired to join me in the future. GOD BLESS YOU ALL. (This article is extracted from the book, The Catholic Church in Micronesia written by Fr Francis Hezel sj)....holy SPIRIT PAR- ISH, VEIVATULOA. FR FA ALELEI TAPUALA : He left for Samoa in Jan 2009 due to his sick mother. Bro Robati Tebaiuea who was assisting Fr Fa at the time was left to oversee the running of the parish with the help of the Chairman and Treasurer. FR CONSTANTINE LE- GASPINO arrived in April 2009 and left in Jan 2010 after serving as parish priest for 9 months. FR JOSEPH KANIMEA FR VITO KELEKELE FR KELETO LEMO 2014 He is being assisted at the moment by FR LOMANO KAUVAITUPU I would like to thank the following people for their contributions to this information. LUI VUNITABUA (my grandfather) He was Veivatuloa catechist at that time. (deceased) Asivina Macawa (grand mother)(d) - Rev Fr Shivinan (pp Lomary)1973, Leone Nairuai(granduncle)(d) - Rev Fr Jarr (Lomary) 1976 Kusitino Tamudunaivoli (my father) (d), Donato Uduvakavo(uncle) (d), Leone Nairuai (uncle) NACANIELI LINO (uncle) SISILIA VALELUMA (auntie) SALANIETA SALAIWAQA MARIA (auntie) LEONE SALELE (uncle) catechist (d) DONATO UDUVAKAVO (uncle) NACANIELI LINO (cousin) catechist PETERO KORODUVA (cousin) catechist ETUATE RO VEREBALAVU VUNITABUA (brother) With the exception of the two priests and catechist Leone Salele, we are all direct descendants of Ro Verebalavu, the Tui Namosi, who received and accepted the Catholic faith at Veivatuloa. This article was accumulate, arranged and written by PETERO MARIA DALESAU (retired schoolteacher and currently trainee catechist) VEIVATULOA, NAMOSI. Formation SUFFERINGS EMBRACE US TOGETHER Br Sepulona Tolai msc Being a patient in the hospital is something many do not like and that includes me. However, this is a place where you meet people who suffer pain, illness or disease thus causing one to fell what the patient feel, as you watch all that they go through, a feeling of compassion fills your heart, even to the extent of embracing them warmly with love. For my pastoral experience, I paid visits to the T.B. and leprosy patients at the two hospital in Tamavua, every Sunday. Once meeting the patients, my concept and attitude of a hospital gradually changed. It because one of commitment, dedication and understanding for the suffering patients. I felt a strong urge that I was needed there. During this period I was helping to comfort them. For the lepers, sometime I would massage them and even help clean their sores. By doing these small acts of showing them that I care. They become my friends and so I felt I have won their confidence. Despite of their skin condition and pain, there is always joy when they see me visiting them again and again. There is this special patient, PAUL, who had really won my concern and attention. He was one of the longest patients living there and sadly he stated that he don t know any of his family. Ever since he was in Makogai and now Tamavua he confused of knowing his family. Maybe he was totally forgotten by them but God never forgot him. I came to know that he could speak my language. Twomey Hospital was his home and the faculty was his family. How God works wonders on his people is real mystery but at the same time it strengthens ones faith and trust in Him. God has given me love so should I reflect this love to my brothers and sisters in Christ. This is my mission in my life and should use my prayers as my equipment to face the challenges I face during this pastoral mission. Being with the leprosy patients I believe is the one part of Jesus greatest commandments. Love one another JUST as I have loved you. In other words, my love for others must be like Jesus love for the rich and the poor, the sick, the unwanted, the leprosy and all those who need me. This is the greatest gift I learned from these lepers. I HAVE TO REACH OUT TO ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE. The love I should share must be unconditional and no one Post-Novitiate, Wailoku Br Sepulona and Paul, at Tamavua Hospital. BOUNDRIES. Moreover, the experiences that I learn from my pastoral place encouraged my journey in religious life. They don t want anything from us, but our love and care. Our presence, our stories and jokes make them forget their suffering. This is one of the many faces of love. I believe too, that sharing is also one of the values of the kingdom of God. Because if I accept others and respect the dignity of other with mutual love, this is God s love. They are not desolate if we share together and accept them as who they are and what they are in life. My compassionate love for this people is fulfilled with my prayers for them every day during the celebration of the Eucharist. They are not forgotten because they need us the most. As Paul (my leper friend) always said to me. Sepu don t forget that compassion means a lot if you understand and care for someone who is suffering like me. Our sufferings embrace us together. Pray for me. MAY THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS BE EVERYWHERE LOVED FOR- EVER This is my story about my daily community life experiences here in the MSC formation house, Wailoku, Fiji. First of all, our community here in Wailoku formed by different nationalities; Fiji, Samoa, Chuuk (FSM), Futuna and Kiribati. We all came with different backgrounds and personalities. We are no strangers to one another, we are all brothers. Living in community is not very easy; I faced a lot of challenges in my daily life. Sometimes I feel discouraged and stressed. So far these challenges give me courage to move forward by the help and the support of my Formator and my brothers here in our community. In every stage of life we face crisis and doubt because God is reminding us that there is something lacking in us. Therefore I am very grateful to God for his love revealed to me by the guidance, the support, and the care of my Formator and my brothers here in our community. In our community we have our own program. This is not meant to burden us but to help us discipline and transform our own lives. The program helps us to nurture our own growth in spiritual, physical and intellectual development, but most of all to be a good MSC formed in love, humility, kindness and a sense of humor. I will never forget to pray in gratitude for all our benefactors, helpers, families and friends for their support and their generosity. God bless each and every one of you in your journey. MAY THE SACRED HEART OF JE- SUS BE EVERYWHERE LOVED, FOR- EVER! IGNORANCE OF SCRIPTURE IS IGNORANCE OF CHRIST St Jerome ( AD, Doctor of the Church, interpreter and translator of the Bible). Vocation Experience Br Tibwere Teratabu msc Every single person has different calling. God calls us in different ways. All human beings have difficulties, hardships and challenges in life. The most important thing is to trust in God s love and be faithful in living out our own calling. There is no difference in the calling, they are all precious. God has a plan for you and for me. I m Tibwere the son of Teratabu and Meetaa. This is my reflection based on my journey in religious life. I m a junior professed brother in the Society of should be rejected. LOVE WITHOUT the Missionary of the Sacred Heart. Br Tibwere and Fr Yelds MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

8 Formation HEEDING THE CALL OF GOD Br Paul Kaufuti msc his reflection is based on my own experience of heeding or listening to the call of God in my life. I have come to know that God is really present to me in the silence. I am reminded of the stories of Elijah who only found God in the soft whisper of a voice and of Moses whom God called when he was alone watching the sheep. Let me start from the beginning. I was born into a catholic family of two brothers and two sisters. I will always be eternally grateful to my parents for their love and their faith, without which I would not have been here today. At that tender age they were the voice of God in my life. As I grew up I learned to make my own decisions and become less dependent on them. And as part of growing up we tend to make mistakes along the way. But always in the critical moments of my life, I find out that they are always there for me. Sometimes I take them for granted and don t appreciate their love for me. When I do this, I turn away, I refuse to accept their love for me. I disobey their teachings and I lose my way. I have done this many times in choosing to do what I want and not their will. Obedience is hard but it is the only way. Even now I am still learning to listen and to obey. The best example of an obedient life on earth is Jesus. Everything he did on earth was done according to the will of his Father in heaven. After my studies I worked as teacher. I loved the work but something was missing. I enjoyed my independence but I only later realized that success don t always mean happiness. Look at the magazines and tabloids, the most successful people are also some of the most lonely and unstable people in the world. Money and power are false gods that lead only to ruin and destruction. Jesus said the meek will inherit the earth. A time came when I found no point in teaching and I just left. I found myself depending on others and learning to be humble. And then surprisingly I was asked to go as volunteer teacher in the Marshall Islands. An MSC priest Fr Simi Volavola was in charge of a Parish there and asked some of us unemployed teachers to go and teach in the catholic school of the parish. My stay there was an eye opener for me and I discovered two things. First was to be grateful of the gifts you have been blessed with. (I had lost my selfconfidence during my last years of work.) Second was that, the poor people are the most generous people of Post-Novitiate, Wailoku 8 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 all, because they give out of their poverty. For this I would always be thankful to my congregation for giving that opportunity. When I left I was determined to complete my studies at USP but within me was planted the seed. The JOY of going out on MISSION. Sometimes during the course of my studies I felt the strong urge to go and join the priesthood but my mother advised me to complete my studies first. Nobody knows us like our mothers do and that was good advice. Knowing the will of God in your life can be tricky thing which is why we need to have a guide, one who has more experience than you to direct you along the way. My studies helped me to grow in maturity. The lesson here for me was to be patient as good things come to those who wait. During my studies I also involved myself with the Saint John the Baptist community of Saint Agnes Parish. I was part of the youth and even sat in the Parish Pastoral Council meetings. I gained a lot of invaluable experience while rubbing shoulders with these lay leaders of the local church. They were also instruments of Gods message inspiring and challenging me to be courageous when speaking the truth. At the same time to be sensitive to the poor and voiceless members of the community After my studies I was able to find work as a fisheries observer on fishing vessels. In these long trips in the middle of the ocean, I had the opportunity again to reflect on my life. I had a good job but it did not give me the sense of fulfilment I was looking for. You can say that I was looking for something, Yes! And that something was God. Saint Augustine once said You have made us for yourself O God, and our hearts will never find rest until they rest in you. I found time to pray and read the bible during these trips. I experienced the power of prayer when made in faith. While on the boat I had asked to go to the World Youth Day in Madrid, When I arrived back into the country I found that the parish had decided to sponsor my trip with one other youth member.....continue on pg 9. MSC Seminarians 2014, Wailoku Formation House, Fiji. Write to VOCATION DIRECTOR SACRED HEART HOUSE 15 BHIMJI STREET, WAILOKU P.O BOX 585, NABUA, FIJI ISLANDS The priests requested the Tui Namosi if they could be given a piece of land to live on, so that their pastoral work could be made easier as Lomary was quite a distance away. The request was granted and a piece of land to the south of the mouth of the Lobau River, close the old settlement site was given. This was relayed to the head of the Catholic Church then, the most Reverend Bishop Julian Vidal, who gave his approval and sent Fr A Gannett to start the new mission. A Fr Jean Gurnard and Fr DuPont also served at the Mission but at different periods. The land, given by Ro Verebalavu is known as NAQARIBUTA, this was where the first parish of Veivatuloa began. This was around the year To this day this land still belongs to the church. His relationship with the mission, and his faith and that of his subjects flourished, Ro Verebalavu wanted to have this new found faith brought to his people in the interior of his domain, the province of Namosi. He made his request to the priests in the mission who relayed his request to the Bishop who gave his approval. This venture, though, would have to be undertaken without the accompaniment of the priests. The cousins agreed and set off on their mission. With their entourage of heralds (matanivanua), warriors and fellow believers they set off along the coast to travel up the Rewa river. They rested for a few days to replenish supplies at Naililili in Rewa before heading up river. They sailed up the Waidina River to travel up to Namosi. At Waimaro, the itaukei Waimaro requested them to stay, but because they had a mission to accomplish, Ro Verebalavu who had blood ties with the itaukei Waimaro decided that his cousin Ro Matanitobua complete their mission to Namosi while he spread the faith in Waimaro. This is the journey that the faith took from Veivatuloa to the interior of Namosi and Waimaro. Life was becoming unbearable for the priests of the Naqaributa Mission because of the infestation of flies and especially mosquitoes; they were being attacked day and night. This was due to the swamp lands that surrounded the mission station. They asked to be relieved, but there were very few priests then, and also Ro Matanitobua sent down a request for a mission station in Namosi to cater for the faithful of the interior. So in 1912, Bishop Julian Vidal ordered the Naqaributa Mission closed and the priests and Mission property be torn down and sent to Namosi where the new Mission station was to begin. By the end of 1913, the Naqaributa Mission was completely closed. The catholic faithful of the Mission were reassigned to join Lomary Catholic Mission. The reassignment to Lomary lasted till the year 1992, when a retired school teacher, Mr Kusitino Tamudunaivoli, who taught in Lomary Primary School from 1973 till his retirement in 1983 envisaged that due to the difficulties faced by the members of the parish living as far as First Profession of Brs Johnny, Paul, Sepulona and Marisiale at Holy Spirit Parish, Veivatuloa, Fiji Mr Petero Delasau Vunisoco needed to have a parish close by. He wrote to the, then, Archbishop of Suva, His Grace Petero Mataca for permission to have a Parish for the tikina of Veivatuloa on the 31st of August, 1992 after his meeting with the landowning unit of Veivatuloa on the 23rd of August, This was approved by His Grace on the condition that LAND was approved for the Parish He, as a member of the land owning unit of Veivatuloa, approached the members of the clan, Nabukebuke, Veivatuloa with the proposal of the Archbishop of Suva. This was received with much appreciation by the clan members, thus approval was given for land known as MEDRA MATA NA DAU to be the site of the Parish. Mr Kusitino Tamudunaivoli became the first CHAIRMAN of the Parish Pastoral Council. The first priest assigned to the Parish was Fr Kevin Mark Young MSC in He resided in Lomary, because the new parish he was to serve in did not have a presbytery yet. He, later on, moved and rented a house in Navua so as to serve his parishioners more efficiently, as the new parish boundaries included Nakavu, the township of Navua up to Vunisoco. It was now exactly 80 years since the closure of the Naqaributa Mission. Fr Kevin Young continued his pastoral duties for the new parish whilst still renting in Navua. The initial ground breaking ceremony for the new parish was held on 1st August, Fr Young moved in to the new presbytery after it was completed in March of Fr Kevin Young started the fundraisings for the construction of the parish church in After the departure of Fr Young in 2007, the fundraisings continued till 2013 when, with the help of the parishioners, Fr Vito Kelekele, who was the parish priest then was able to begin and complete the church in a period of 12 months.(nov 2012 Nov 2013). We fondly remember the initial efforts and perseverance of our pioneer priest Fr Kevin Young(May His Soul Rest In Peace) who is held with high regards by the parishioners of the HOLY SPIRIT. He has a very special place in our hearts. The MANUMANU (BIRD TOTEM) of the chiefs of Namosi is the SOQE (DOVE). The name of the parish was derived from this TOTEM, Okayed by His Grace, thus the name PARISH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. The responsibility of running and maintaining the parish was given to the Society of THE MISSIONAR- IES OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS CHRIST (MSC) by the late ARCHBISHOP PETERO MATACA. Mentioned here below are the priests who have served in the Parish since its beginning in FR KEVIN PAUL YOUNG (MSC) He was assisted in his Pastoral duties by FR PETER FLYNN, FR CHRISTOPHER CHAPLIN, FR DOUGLAS SMITH, FR BUDI. These fellow priests resided at the Novitiate and Chevalier Training Centre at Wainadoi. Continue on pg MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

9 T he early catholic missionaries who arrived in Fiji arrived in Namuka in the island of Lakeba, Lau in the year The delegation was led by Reverend Bishop Pierre Marie Battallione SM accompanied by Fr Jean Baptiste Breheret SM Fr Rulo SM Br Annet SM Pako and Apolonia from Uvea in Wallis et Futuna. Mosese Monatavai a catechist from Lakeba. These early missionaries, the Bishops, priests and brothers were French missionaries, from the Society of Mary. They were Marist missionaries. The Methodist church was already thriving in Fiji when the catholic missionaries arrived. The Missionaries set up station at Lakeba and later on moved to Levuka in Ovalau as this was the centre of trade and administration in Fiji at the time. From Levuka the church started to branch out, arriving at Naililili in Rewa, down along the coast to Vunisoco then on to Qilai in the tikina of Veivatuloa and on to Vunibau, finally arriving at Culanuku in Serua. From Culanuku the mission station moved across the bay to present day Lomary. THE CHURCH IN THE TIKINA AND VILLAGE OF VEIVATULOA From the catholic mission station in Lomary the resident priests made pastoral visitations to the different locations along the coast where they had set up outposts on their journey down to Lomary. Two of these were Qilai and Vunisoco. On these visits the priests would have to cross the mouth of the Lobau river and walk along the coast to arrive in Qilai and then on to Vunisoco. Previously the village of Veivatuloa was on the south side of the mouth of the Lobau River, but now had moved to the north side of the river. A few families still occupied the old site and they would help in ferrying the priests across the mouth of the river to help them on their way. These events happened in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The paramount chief of Namosi around this period was RO VEREBALAVU, who lived with his people at Veivatuloa. He had accepted the Methodist Church into his village, and in so doing, was appointed a Rural Provincial Judge by the then Colonial Administration. He would order his subjects to ferry the priests across the river and also sent some of his warriors with the priests to protect them on their way to Qilai and Vunisoco. 16 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 Mr Petero Delasau On their return the priests would shower him with their blessings and he would invite them to his house to pray for him and his people before being ferried across the river again. The Methodist missionaries did not approve of this and told him so. The Tui Namosi, Ro Verebalavu was very much disturbed by the actions of the Methodist missionaries, so he expelled them from his village.this expulsion resulted in the title of Rural Provincial Judge, taken away from him. On the advice of a very dear friend, an Englishman by the name of BARKLEY, Ro Verebalavu decided to convert to Catholicism. On their next round of pastoral visitation, Ro Verebalavu requested the priests to include his village in their visitation itinerary. This was the initial beginnings of the acceptance of the Catholic faith in the village of Veivatuloa which would later spread to the whole of the Namosi province. On their return from Qilai and Vunisoco the priest began to give catechism lessons to Ro Verebalavu (Tui Namosi ) and his cousin Ro Matanitobua who was his Vunivalu (War Commander ) and his subjects. And so on the 24th of August, 1902, Ro Verebalavu and Ro Matanitobua were baptized and accepted the Catholic faith for their village and the whole of the Namosi province. A new Holy Spirit Parish Church Vocation awareness programme, Parish Youth of Holy Spirit Parish Formation P astoral for this year has been at the Fiji Women s Correctional Institute. Initially, my expectation for my pastoral visitation to the Catholic women at the institute was to take communion to them and at least once a month to participate with them during Mass. These expectations and requirements changed when the system for the Sunday service at the institute changed. About a month into my visits to the institute changes took place in regards to the Sunday service that was being held. All denominations that went to the institute on Sunday were required to join a combined service from am and then after this combined service the women were split into their different denominations where they had their own services. In order for one denomination to have a Sunday service with their members they had to participate and also lead in the combined service. A roster had been set up by the prison s chaplain where each denomination led at least once a month. The Catholics were also scheduled to lead and since Fr. Tamati had duties to attend to in the community I had the privilege to give the reflections and sharing on the Sunday we led the combined service. Reflecting on the first few combined services that I led, it seemed to me that I was the focal point of everything. Being given this privilege to share on the Word of God, I focused on all that I had to do. These included preparation, trying to figure out the situation of the women that I would share to, reading and reflecting on scripture and trying to put it into the situation of the women, trying to get my cool as it always seemed like a first time experience every time I shared to the whole institution and many others. All my attention was focused on what I had to do and how I was doing it. But as time went by I began to see the other side of the coin. I began to realize that it was not only about what I had to do or how I had to do it but it was also about the women that I ministered to and shared too. When I began to see both sides of the coin I began to understand more deeply what ministering to these women meant and what pastoral work was all about. It was about trying to be Christ to those that we minister to and also trying to see Christ in those that we minister to. This simply meant that I had to act and speak as though Christ was talking to them and that I had to listen to them as though Christ was talking to me. And this deepened my understanding of what pastoral REFLECTION ON PASTORAL Br John Fong msc Br Johnny Arnold msc in front of the Women Correctional Centre, Suva, Fiji. Post-Novitiate, wailoku work required and what it held and this is simply what pastoral work is about. How I saw pastoral work before and how I see it now has developed. One point that I can say that really struck me about pastoral work is that it is putting on Christ to share with those that we minister to and at the same time allowing those that we minister to, no matter what situation that they are in, to also put on Christ for us. The phrase Putting on Christ, at times may become a cliché where we just say it for the sake of saying but when one experiences it as I have it really changes our minds and hearts towards those that we minister to and I firmly believe that it is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit that one can come to this glorious experience. FAMILY VALUES IN SOCIETY By Br Sepulona Tolai msc We need to put the family first again in our society. For the Church, the family has always been what the popes call the vital cell of human society. For the Church, the family is the centre of love where individual personality is formed and values and traditions are passed on from generations to generations. Jesus Christ was one of the few leaders in the ancient world who even acknowledged the reality of marriage and family. And he went much farther by showing us that there is something awesome and beautiful about marriage and the family in God s plan for the world and for our lives. But the family founded on the marriage of man and woman is more than a Christian invention. The family is part of the natural order of things, the basic community of persons that is found in every human society. In our own society, over the last half-century, we ve seen what happens when we take the family for granted. Years of social science research point to one conclusion the health of the family is closely related to the health of our society. The reality is that there are direct links between family breakdown and other failures in our society from poverty and lower wage-earning potential to domestic violence, substance abuse and failure to graduate from high school. These are not moral or religious arguments about the family. And they are not meant to criticize people s behaviours or condemn people who are living as broken families.. Continue pg 11...Heeding the Call of God There I looked through many religious orders from around the world that come for the vocation expo. But even though I was interested in one or two I think the Lord had other plans for me. So when I finally chose to join MSC I immediately felt at home. Even though I had been member of the Saint Agnes Parish for more than ten years I had not really discovered the beauty and richness of the MSC congregation. It reminded me of the words of that hymn, Truly Yahweh was in this place and never knew So my friends my journey of faith and wonder in the Lord s goodness continues. I was professed into the congregation last year and began my academic training at PRS this year. I still have a long way to go and there still are many trials ahead. But I have no need to fear but only to trust. For God does not call the qualified, he qualifies those that are called. I just have to say Yes and he will do the rest. MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

10 Take time to pray, It is the greatest power on Earth. Carpentry department, Br Epeli ood day to you all. I am Epeli Lutua Soqe and I am on pastoral this year Pastoral Year has been a busy schedule and now going half way through the year. It is not better than when it gets tough, only to find things more meaningful in depth of understanding our faith. Pastoral needs patience in giving and receiving. It is through Catechism classes, advice, support, work and care for anyone who is in need that I find my life more meaningful. It is through sharing with the people that I find peace and happiness in my heart. This is the work of my Lord and I am grateful for this opportunity to try and follow his footstep. Life is enjoyable and not easy but needs the intercession of God and Our Lady for guidance in His ministry. This is pastoral and it gives me great pleasure to inform you about my present field of work. I am working as a staff at Chevalier Farm Training Centre in Wainadoi which is being managed by the Chevalier Farm Youth Trust Board. The school is along the queens highway past Naboro. There are six staffs which consist of two brothers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart including myself. The school runs vocational programmes such as welding, building, cabinet and mechanical engineering. Agriculture is no exception for sustaining basic needs and understanding crops farming for those from the outer islands like Kiribati. Sharing my knowledge with the students and the community is a delight for me. I teach the cabinet making trade and try to help students how to think for themselves. I try my best to help these young men to be creative and responsible. Knowing and understanding a field in trade helps a student help himself, his family and other people. Students are taught not only vocational trade but various discipline of life. These include house chores like cleaning and cooking. Feeding of lives stock like chickens, ducks and pigs also come in handy for these young men. The students are taught how to look after themselves for their future. The school also do farming commercially and efficiently. Selling of ducks, chicken and eggs brings income for sustainable use in the farm. Pigs and sheep also bring income and at the same time help students gain interest and knowledge. In addition, projects prepared by them helps build their motivation for future work. With the correct guidance and supervision these young men will be business men soon after graduation. Besides academic, the staffs are entitled 10 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 Br Epeli Lutua msc in giving counselling for students every week. It helps in maintaining the discipline for these young men. Sometimes if offends committed are little bit serious, students have to undergo special disciplinary actions and this is part of growth and learning for them too. Chevalier Farm has been the training centre for young men who have been dropout from schools since it opened in These are members of our families who have a slight chance in the field of work. Children have the right to education and parents cannot take this away from them. Young people need support to be able to excel in life While I work with the students in the school, I also reside in the community at the novitiate. This is a discernment environment for young men from around the pacific for future brothers and priests. Candidates are prepared here for two years before profession, then enter seminary life if they are found commendable by formators to exceed further. As I am doing formation on pastoral, I am guided by the Novice Master and also follow the novitiate programme. Prayer is the essence of life and the greatest power on this world. For parish work, I also help out our formator at the novitiate as he is looking after the Holy Spirit Parish. I usually accompanied Fr Keleto for village visitation because laity long for the sacraments of reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist apart from Sundays celebration. The sacrament of healing or anointing of the sick is also given by the priest to those who required it. Thanks to the priests out there who give their lives for the Church. Thank you so much to the organising committee for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts and experience. Gifts are meant to be shared because it is freely given; and happiness comes to you if you make others happy. God s work is all around us, all we have to do is listen. Well wishes to all pastoral students and be assured that you are doing a great deal of work for God and the Universal Church Your brother in Christ, Epeli Lutua msc Fifth Year SeminarianPastoral Year at Chevlier Training Centre,Wainadoi, Fiji Islands. Chevalier hostel By Luke Naivakadula Bula! My name is Luke Naivakadula from the Rewasau Village in the Nabobuco district at the interior of Viti Levu.. I am 17 years old and attending Cathedral Secondary School as a Year 12 student. I am honoured and happy to be given an opportunity to live in Chevalier Hostel. I would also like to acknowledge the Foundation of the Education of Needy Children (FENC) Fiji for bringing me to this place which has become my HOME. Coming to Chevalier Hostel I thought it was only for Catholics but little did I realize that they accept students from all different faiths. There are three of us non-catholics. I belong to the Assembly of God and two others belong to the Muslim and Baptist faith. Every day is started with morning devotion to be led by the students each praying in their own faith. Living in the Hostel has changed my life for the better. The facilities here are good plus the programme helps in my spiritual life. It has also made me more mature and disciplined. I count myself lucky and fortunate to be part of the Chevalier Hostel community. Br Gabrieli, catechism class at Chevalier Hostel T Nourishing and sharing our Catholic Faith with the Students he Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Family Home is the first school of Christian life and a school for human enrichment. It is the place that one learns endurance and the joy of work, fraternal love, generous- even repeatedforgiveness, and above all divine worship in prayer and the offering of one s life (no 1657) In other words, the Church reminds everyone that a family is where a person begins to nourish his/her Christian Life through the teachings and example of parents and also from family members. But one must also remember that the family is not the only place that nourishes our faith. Our Catholic Schools also play an important role in developing the teachings (Faith) that our children received from their parents. So we have a question Family Home is the first school of Christian life and a school for human enrichment. here to ask ourselves? Do our Catholic Schools have a part to play for the Spiritual growth of a student? The answer is absolutely yes. Catholic Schools are not only centres of excellence and learning but also places of Faith and Love. Our Catholic Schools are places where students will continue to learn about their Faith in God and as well as embracing the values of what Christian life is all about. I started teaching at St Agnes Primary School (Suva, Fiji) from 2010 until now. I have found it very challenging but at the same time more enriching and empowering. It is through my experience of teaching (the students) that convinced me of how important our Catholic Schools can do in order to help and form a student to know his/her Faith but also to live it out on a daily basis. As a Catholic teacher and Religious Nun, I have to model Jesus for my students. Apart from teaching Religious classes, I have to teach them the importance of Prayers as well through engaging them to participate in our Morning and afternoon Prayers. One of the important school programs that have been included for the spiritual growth and nourishment of the students and teachers is the celebration of the Mass/Eucharist every first Friday of the month. The students take part in singing, reading the scriptures, prayers of the faithful and offertory. It is in the celebration Sr Vita Anitelea fdnsc Sr Vita teaches at St Agnes Primary School, Samabula, Fiji Catholic Schools are not only centres of excellence and learning but also places of Faith and Love. of the Mass that students will listen to God s Word through the readings of the scriptures and also receive Jesus in holy communion. The School has also introduced Holy Hour every Thursday so that students will value the importance of silence and spending quality time with Jesus before the Blessed Sacrament. My involvement in the School through teaching has been a blessing for me. I have learnt a lot of things about myself and the students. I have learnt to be more patient with myself and to listen to the needs of the students. I have learnt to love them and love them equally. For me, to be a Catholic teacher is not only a career but also a Call by God to teach and share his love for the students. This is a very simple way for me to share the joy of the Gospel that our Holy Father, Pope Francis is calling every member of the Church to do. I strongly believe that students in Catholic Schools deserve to hear the Good News so that they too may become missionaries who can continue in this work in the future. (Sr Vita Anitelea is from Samoa. She is a Religious Sister of the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart. She is currently teaching at St Agnes Primary School, Nabua, Fiji Islands). MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

11 BUILDING ST AGNES Archbishop Peter Loy Chong processed to St Agnes Parish Church S t Agnes Parish boasts to being the Flagship Parish of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Pacific Union in Fiji. Its association with the MSC goes back some 29 years with Fr Lambert Somar msc. Prior to this St Agnes, and most other parishes in Suva, were under the guidance of the Columban priests. Prior to the construction of the Parish Church in 1954, I am told that the faithful met at one of the government quarters on the top of Nabua Road. Soon after the construction of the parish church the idea of the school was born, an arrangement was made with the nuns of the Home of Compassion and in 1960 the school started its first class room where the parish church and in 1963 the new school first school block on Mead Road was constructed. The first Headteacher of St Agnes Primary School shared with me how the parishioners raised funds to build the school. The school was first registered as Tamavua Catholic School. I believe the nuns may have used their residential address at the Home of Compassion Tamavua thus the name on the registration form. The Parish boundary lines were the Tamavua river (this is the river in Delainavesi) up to Tamavua,Tacirua Namadi Heights Samabula North Raiwaqa, up to Laqere. In the early 1970s church buildings were being built thus the setting up of new parishes namely: St. Piux Raiwaqa, St Joseph the Worker Tamavua, Holy Eucharist Laucala and Our Lady of Fatima Nadera. On the completion of Nadera Our Lady of Fatima Church in the late 1970 s the parish centre was s h i f t e d f r o m St.Agnes to Nadera. St Agnes Parish Church, Samabula, Fiji. Formation under the Sacred Heart of Jesus In 1985 the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart were introduced to the St Agnes community. The MSC s were represented in the person of Fr. Lambert Somar MSC of the Indonesian Province. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart signaled a time to mission and since then have been able to have priests come out of our communities. We boast multiculturalism and inclusiveness in all we do. The MSC have radiantly charged our parishioners in being able to stand and do things on our own. The birth of the idea of building a bigger church was mooted by Fr. Lambert, however the building was built under the guidance of Fr. Simon Mani in 2001 to With only a small portion of the money to build in its coffers Fr.Simon Mani, under the inspiration of the Sacred Heart started the building of our new church building that was completed without any bank loan in August The church c o n s t r u c t i o n T h em e w a s BUILDING ON HOLY GROUND. All Priests who have come to St. Agnes have had something special to add to the charisma of the St Agnes Family as a whole; no Mr Thomas O Brien 14 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 wonder the late Archbishop Emeritus Petero Mataca, called us a fancy Parish. Fancy Parish: St. Agnes Parish is humbled to be able to celebrate cultural masses on a monthly basis. Fijian, Rotuman, Hindi and Kiribati Masses. At normal Sunday masses you can hear hymns being sung in different vernacular. St. Agnes has approximated 300 households; I mentioned household because in some homes there could be two or more families living together. We are divided into 11 communities. We have commissions for Liturgy, Evangelization, Family and Youth, Education, Social and Finance. All communities have reps to the different commissions. All commissions meets on the last Sunday of the month after the 9.00am mass to evaluate past programs and plan upcoming one. Our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is made up of community and commission leaders who are selected at the community level and appointed by the Parish Priest. PPC meeting is on the first Sunday of the month after the 9.00am mass. All communities report with submission are forwarded to the parish office on the last Thursday of the month for scrutiny and discussion by the Parish Priest and the PPC executives prior to reports being discussed at the PPC meetings. My personal journey with the MSC has been faith challenging one. I have been an active member of the St Agnes Pastoral Council for twenty plus years, first as a community leader, school board Vice Chairman, PPC Vice Chairman and PPC Chairman. The thought of being involved in church works never crossed my mind, nor the thought of being called to lead. My journey reflected the St Agnes parish family formation under the MSC. A people radiantly charged. We are truly blessed to have been called to be part of St Agnes in the era of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. (Mr Thomas O Brien is a current Chairman of St Agnes Parish). Climate Change And Witness A ccording to scientists climate has been changing for the past 1000 years. But in the last 200 years the change in climate also known as global warming has occurred faster than ever. Causes for this increase are mainly attributed to human activity that lead to high emission of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. This is worsened by the systematic destruction of the environment like unchecked deforestation and air pollution. Most of this development is happening in the highly industrialised and modernised Northern Hemisphere. Unfortunately the consequences of their action have global effects. We are not spared of the evil they have done. Effects of climate change include frequent drought and floods, sea levels rise and more intense hurricanes and tropical storms. Here in the Pacific the threat is real. We are surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, little specks floating on the blue waters. Many of our islands are low level with majority of our people living on the coasts. The sea has been our source of livelihood for our people for as long as we remember. Now our very lives are being threatened by it. Many communities can prove this as show the scars of their abandoned homes as they flee the advancing tides. Arable farmland is also made useless as salt water seeps from beneath the soil. The destruction and loss of our communities and way of life is a reminder for us on the social teachings of the church. I am reminded of the principles of the common good and solidarity. When we become selfish and ignore the good of others as well, we lose ourselves in the process. Pope Francis said Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude. We have taken God s gift for granted and abused the great gift he has given us. For us here in the Pacific we have this unique opportunity in time to be WIT- NESSES to the whole word as we stand together in solidarity with each other. As we suffer the effects of climate change we endure it with dignity, with hope in our hearts. In this modern age of communication we show the Western World that we are bearing the penalty of their sins. As we strive to adapt to the effects of human induced climate change we tell them that this is not the way it was meant to be and that our actions have consequences. We have always lived close to nature and it forms part of our identity as Islanders. This is innocence that attracts our neighbors to our shores. Now this Garden of Eden is at risk. This should not surprise us because we have made a god out of our own ideas and creations. In the Creation account in the book of Genesis, God had created everything good but the pride and Rising sea level in Tarawa, Kiribati. greed of our first ancestors made God turn creation against them. But every time they fall God provides them with the hope of redeeming themselves. Saint Paul says that we are co-workers with God (cf. 1 Cor. 3:9). Therefore we take part in our own liberation. So in spite of dangers such as rising sea levels, extreme changes in weather patterns and the loss by Br Paul Kaufuti msc of some our livelihood and traditions we are also sustained by HOPE. We are not alone in our fears and worries. In our Pacific culture we live in communities bonded together in love and respect for our family. Let us protect our island homes by standing together in solidarity. The trials and challenges we face should only make us stronger. As we are reminded again by Saint Paul when I am weak then I am strong (2 Cor. 12:10). Our struggles bring hope to the world. We become martyrs in order that we bring a change of heart to the world. That I guess is the greater good. We become a reminder of what that must never be repeated. The effects of climate change are to me signs of the times that we have to read. This planet that we call Earth is only a temporary dwelling place. We are just passing through. We look to the things that are unseen because the things that are unseen are eternal (cf. 2 Cor. 4: 18). Let us hold on to the essentials as we face the storm together. The family, common good, respect and most importantly LOVE. A love that is willing to suffer if only to point to better future, a love that will become a WITNESS to the whole world..family VALUE IN SOCIETY The point is that everyone is better off and society is better off when people are living in strong, stable families with a mother and a father. Promoting strong marriages and values that support families is a basic requirement for social justice. There are a lot of causes for the family s declination today and we need to understand these causes if we are going to restore the family s rightful place in our society. Many now argue that what we call family is simply a lifestyle choice, a voluntary arrangement that individuals make with other individuals they choose to live with. There are also intense economic and social pressures poverty, unemployment and underemployment, discrimination, addictions that hurt family unity and stability. We need to face all of these challenges moral, spiritual and material if we are going to put the family first again in our society. Our country was founded on the essentially religious principle that God created every individual with dignity and rights. Our founders knew that no man or woman is an island. They knew that every individual comes from a family and that, family and religion were important for society s growth and strength. We need to renew our appreciation for the key role of how marriage and family play in our culture. I also believe that the more we understand what the family means in God s plan for our individual lives, the more we will want to promote and defend the family in our society. That is why, it is important to talk about the beauty of marriage and family, as we understand these realities in our Catholic tradition. Let s keep one another in prayers. Let us ask our Blessed Mother Mary, the Mother of the Holy Family and every Christian family, to give us the courage to be open to others and to proclaim the Gospel of the family and the beauty of marriage in our society. MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS

12 A JOY EVER NEW, A JOY WHICH IS SHARED From an opening Introduction of Pope Francis Pastoral Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium. The great danger in today s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another seventy times seven (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards! God s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. YEAR OF CONSECRATED LIFE NOVEMBER 2014 NOVEMBER 2015 The Catholic Church has dedicated the Year 2015 as the Year for Consecrated Life. The above photos are the two days gathering of Religious that was held at St Joseph Secondary School hall to mark the beginning of the year of Consecrated Life. Is Penance Relevant to your Real Needs? A youngster, when asked what confession means, replied, That s when you tell your sins to the police. Priests in the sacrament of reconciliation are not the police. They are not God, either. The priest is a minister of the Church, celebrating and affecting God s mercy and forgiveness. People can experience fear when approaching confession. Some of their fear may come from legitimate embarrassment. But much of it comes from a childhood. Admitting to a parent or teacher that we have done wrong can be a formidable experience. If the priest in confession is seen as a surrogate parent or teacher, or if God is seen as a stern judge and an angry punisher, a host of fears may well up in the penitents. Actually, there is no reason in the world to have a sacrament of reconciliation other than the love and mercy of God, the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ, the healing comfort of the Holy Spirit. If we insist on being afraid of God, the place to be afraid is outside the confessional, not inside it. If we have difficulty with confession face-to-face to a priest, anonymous confession is always an option. Some have difficulty with the sacrament of reconciliation because it seems routine or mechanical to them. They say they don t get anything out of it. Some of these people may have a confession conscience. This is distinct from the complete conscience. The confession conscience consists of those things one has learned to say in confession maybe a list of acceptable, even comfortable sins that we list without touching the depth of our real needs. The complete conscience goes beneath the surface to deal with things that really, alienate us from God and our fellow human beings. It gets at causes. It is serious and may feel threatening. Some people have learned to bring this conscience to confession. They get a lot from the sacrament. But many have never learned to look beneath the surface. So they do not get all they could and should get from the sacrament aside because they regard it as irrelevant to their real needs. Then they miss a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. Confession deals with a spiritual dimension at a different level from psychiatry. It can assist mental health, but it cannot replace psychological help, any more than spiritual counsel sets a broken arm. The sacrament of reconciliation, however, is a wonderful gift given by Jesus to the church for pardon and peace. But if it has become something like telling our sins to the police, I think we need to see if we can understand it better. FR PAUL J. SCHMIDT Reprinted from CATHOLIC DIGEST, VOL 40: No.4. MSC Mission Office Fiji MSC Mission Office Fiji has been around since It is a branch of MSC Mission Office Australia that began in Australia in 1998 for the main reason of supporting Australian MSC missionaries who work outside of Australia. Apart from supporting Australian MSC missionaries around the world, MSC Mission Office began to venture into helping and funding development projects in countries where the MSC missionaries worked. These development projects included clean water projects, disadvantage youths, HIV projects and other disease projects such as malaria and leprosy, and other funding such as formation and relief work. The MSC Mission Office Fiji deals with two main development projects and these are the clean water projects and the disadvantage youth projects. In all our funding of development projects, the MSC Mission Office seeks to work together with communities that seek these funding, that is, to meet these communities half way. For example, for clean water projects, if a project is approved for a water tank or a water pump by the MSC Mission Office, there is a requirement for the applicant to build a stand for the water tank or provide piping for the water pump. All applicants have to be willing to meet the MSC Mission Office half way and this is how the MSC Mission Office works. If you are seeking assistance especially in water projects please contact the MSC Mission Office Fiji at: The Director, M.S.C Mission Office Fiji, P.O.Box 1354, Suva, Fiji. Sacred Heart House 15 Bhimji St, Wailoku Phone: Fax: missionofficefiji@gmail.com 12 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS 2014 MISSIONARIES OF THE SACRED HEART PACIFIC UNION - ANNALS