Fr Frank Hoare’s Golden Jubilee

 

On this day 50 years ago, 22nd April 1973 Fr Frank Hoare was ordained by Bishop John McCormack, Bishop of Meath, with 11 of his classmates, while 2 more were ordained a week later. He was then appointed to the Region of Fiji.

 

 

On his arrival in Fiji in 1973 he committed and immersed himself in learning the language and culture of the Indo-Fijian people. He mastered this task so well that he became one of the most knowledgeable Columbans who worked with the Indo-Fijian people at the time and ever since. He became completely at home with the language and lifestyle of the Indo-Fijian people by his visitation to their homes and listening to their stories, especially in Naleba in the parish of Labasa. A Columban promotion film entitled “Walking to Naleba” documented his efforts at evangelization and was viewed with amazement by thousands of people throughout the Columban World.

 

Then he turned his sights to the Fijian Language and culture. He did this by going to Nacemaki village on Koro Island (Lomai Viti Group of Islands). Again, by taking part in the lifestyle of the people, participating in their agricultural and fishing practices, in their sports and dances – he soon became proficient in Fijian.

Having the two main languages of Fiji under his belt and as a steppingstone for everything else he would do in Fiji. He directed his attention to promoting Intercultural relations and Interfaith Dialogue among the peoples of Fiji which was badly needed at that time especially during post-coup, Fiji.

Fr Frank comes from Portlaoise, and I was from near the town of Portarlington where I went to school, the 2 two towns were only about 12 miles from each another. We have been friends since our seminary days in Ireland.

 

Presently Frank is in charge of the Columban Formation House in Suva. This morning he offered a thanksgiving Mass for his Golden Jubilee. He invited the Columbans in the Suva Area to join him for this Mass; Frs Felisiano, Willie Lee, Donal McIlratih, John McEvoy, Columban students Paula and Elia and Columban Lay Missionary, Nani Mo’unga and Kata Mukai, Columban Lay Missionary Coordinator.

Fr Frank and the students then served us with a simple celebratory breakfast.

 

 

 

 

 

Fr Frank has invited his Indo Fijian and Fijian friends to another simple celebration later this afternoon at the Columban Central House in Suva.

 

Congratulations and thanks Fr Frank.

Ad Multos Annos.