Columban priest – Father Taaremon with the newly baptized and their families. - Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
On Sunday, the 28th of September, after a session with the people of Vugalei Village, we set out for Namukalau Village — a journey that required a boat ride to an entirely different island from Vanua Levu. Traveling on a fiberglass boat with Father Taaremon and his accompanying party, we arrived at Namukalau, where the villagers were preparing for Mass, a celebration held there once every two months.
This Mass was especially meaningful, as Father baptized eight children — a powerful sign of the Catholic faith’s growth on this remote island. Though far from the main parish church, the Namukalau community continues to thrive, standing as a living witness to the mission first built by the early Columban Fathers. Now, carrying on that legacy across the seas, I felt humbled to be part of their enduring work.
After Mass, a feast followed, where Father Taaremon and I were invited to celebrate the newly baptized children. For a village blessed by the gifts of the sea, the meal was vibrant. After the feast came the customary sharing of kava, which I joined somewhat reluctantly, knowing I still had to conduct an awareness session on the Season of Creation. I partook in moderation, mindful of the work that awaited me.
Since fishing was acknowledged as the main source of income and sustenance for the community, the main bulk of the awareness session focused on two critical areas: the dangers of ghost gear and the necessity of practicing sustainable fishing methods to maintain our shorelines. We specifically addressed ghost gear, which, as acclaimed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), was presented as 'the ocean's silent killer.' This consisted of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing equipment—such as nets, traps, and lines—that was continuing to trap and kill marine animals and damage vital marine habitats.
Echoing the message of Laudato Si’, we ended the session with Echoing the message of Laudato Si’, we ended the session with a call for an ecological conversion—a personal and communal change of heart where we recognize the interconnectedness of all creation. We emphasized that caring for the oceans and practicing sustainable fishing is not just an environmental issue, but a moral and spiritual imperative, reflecting our dignity as baptized catholics and our responsibility as stewards of God's gift to the people of Namukalau.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator (Region of Oceania)
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