Columban JPIC Coordinator – Noa Tuivunilagi (far left) with fellow youths at the 2026 Central Eastern Youth Rally at the St. John the Apostle Parish in Natovi, where he delivered a session on Laudato Si' to youths. Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
In preparation for World Youth Day 2027, which will be held in Seoul, Korea, youth commissions in Fiji are preparing for this pilgrimage by gathering in their own ways to form youths ahead of this global event. The journey towards WYD begins from home, in villages and in parish communities. This year, the Columbans were fortunate to contribute to these youth gatherings through the participation of youths from Holy Family Parish at the Northern Region Rally, as well as through my involvement with the Central Eastern Youth Commission as a member of the organising committee and as a Laudato Si’ session facilitator.
The Central Eastern Regional Youth Rally of the Archdiocese of Suva was held on the 14th–15th of May at the St. John the Apostle Parish in Natovi, which is run by the Vincentians. The parish is nestled on the hills overlooking the Natovi jetty - you would catch a ferry from there to connect to Labasa. The parish was preparing to host more than 300 youths, many of whom camped or were billeted in the nearby school dormitories. The school break allowed the facilities to be made available for the youths. The rally united youths from more than 15 parishes within the Archdiocese of Suva, from the provinces of Lau, Kadavu, Lomaiviti, Tailevu, Rewa, Naitasiri, Namosi, and Serua.
As part of my involvement, aside from joining the youths, I was also invited to facilitate a session on Care for Creation and Laudato Si'. Joining me for the session was Columban lay missionary Sainiana Tamatawale, who had recently completed the Laudato Si’ Animators training. Her presence and personal sharing greatly enriched and uplifted the presentation. Through the presentation, the youths were invited to reflect deeply on their own lifestyles and everyday actions: Are we contributing to a more sustainable future? Are we truly being good stewards of God’s creation?
While preparing for the presentation, I came to appreciate more deeply the long-standing involvement of the Columbans in youth ministry across Fiji. Back in 2015, to commemorate 1,400 years of the enduring legacy and missionary spirit of Saint Columban, the Columbans in Fiji organised a Central Eastern Youth Rally that brought together young people from across the country. The gathering featured speakers such as Fr. Iowane Gukibau, Fr. Donal McIlraith, and former lay missionary Vosita Lesisaurua.
Even earlier, in 2006, the handiwork of the Columbans was already evident through a youth rally held in Namosi. Throughout the years, the Columbans in Fiji have faithfully, and often quietly, journeyed alongside young people — seeking to meet them where they are, whether it be for listening to climate-lived realities, to engage in the issues that young people face, and to respond to what this generation is searching for from the Church.
As I pen this article, I am filled with hope following the announcement that Pope Leo XIV will release his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), on May 25, which will provide guidance on safeguarding the human person in a time of artificial intelligence (AI). Our youths today are growing in a world facing interconnected challenges from climate change to the uncertainty of artificial intelligence. Yet, amid these realities, the Church continues to speak with hope and guidance. As the journey towards World Youth Day 2027 continues, may our young people never feel alone, and that the Church walks with them every step of the way.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi, Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator (Region of Oceania)
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