Christ the King parish is a Columban parish located in the Western part of Fiji in the middle of Ba town which consists of about 600 families. Surrounding the parish is St. Teresa Catholic School is a bus station, a market, grocery stores, a mosque and a Methodist church. It has 21 communities, seven on the coastal area, eight from the highlands and six from the town area. Due to its geographical setting, one needs a vehicle to visit the communities or take the bus and hit the dusty roads leading to the villages.
I used to visit two villages on the coast and help with parish Faith Formation Programs. I worked with some people in the villages by facilitating catechetical instructions for the children due to make their First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Rites of Christian Initiation of Adults program. I also participated in parish activities, church organizations and ministries.
I made friends with children, youth, men and women and people from different beliefs and cultures. Discovering that we can work in harmony and build friendship despite our differences is such an amazing and enriching experience.
One thing that I will never forget is when a close friend who used to accompany me died suddenly. I felt I had lost a sister and a friend, in the person of Caroline Thoman, an Indian woman who lived nearby. She often visited me at home and showed concern about my day-to-day life. She often called and to tell me “I have something for you Jinky, I will drop by your place, Acha!”
She loved to tell stories, took me around and introduced me to her friends and relatives. I truly appreciated her kindness and generosity. Her simple gestures of love inscribed in my heart inspired me how to persevere in the mission and be more life-giving in my daily encounters with others.
My missionary journey in Fiji has made me realize that mission is about witnessing, sharing life and faith experiences to one another. It is about building authentic and meaningful relationships regardless of our diverse family origins, faith backgrounds and cultural traditions. Here, I have discovered that learning is not always about talking but more authentically, it is about listening.
Evangeline Ucol (Jinky) is a Columban Lay Missionary in Fiji.
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