Youths from around Suva, the USP Catholic Students Association, CCIM Raiwaqa Representatives and the Columbans came together for the Beach clean-up. Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
On the morning of 18 July, the weather forecast was not looking too good. Light showers and strong, gusty winds threatened the success of the program, which was scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. After carefully considering whether to postpone the event, particularly with the safety of the participants in mind, I turned to prayer before making the decision to proceed.
So, the day began in a dark, Fijian winter morning, bringing together youths from around Suva, the USP Catholic Students Association, CCIM Raiwaqa Representatives, CLM Nanise Mounga and joining us was Columban Fr. Francis La Aung. We were coming together for our monthly beach clean-up and to start work on a community garden which was to be setup at the Formation House.
Thankfully, as the sun began to rise, the weather improved and the outlook became much brighter. With renewed confidence, our clean-up campaign began in front of the Suva Bowling Club, following the Nasese Foreshore, past the Suva Central House, and ending at the Formation House, where our Columban Lay Missionaries, Nanise and Sainiana Tamatawale, now live and work from.
At the conclusion of the clean-up campaign, we had collected approximately 10 bags of plastic waste, most of which had been discarded along the foreshore. These plastics pose a significant threat to the mangrove ecosystems and the rich biodiversity that thrives within the area. The mangrove patches around Nasese form an important intertidal ecosystem, serving as natural buffers against coastal erosion and rising sea levels. They provide critical habitats for local fish species and support both resident and migratory bird populations along the Suva foreshore.
Through this small but meaningful effort, we contributed to the protection and restoration of these vital ecosystems, helping to ensure that the mangroves can continue to flourish and provide their important role in filtering urban pollutants and sustaining life along our coastline.
Following the clean-up campaign, we gathered at the Formation House for a time of Talanoa and sharing of a meal together over breakfast. This provided an opportunity to learn more about the work of the Columban Mission and to deepen our understanding of its mission and values.
Noa, the Columban JPIC Coordinator, shared with those present about the work of the Columbans, with particular focus on the two key mission priorities of the Protection of Biodiversity and the Care for Migrants and Refugees. It was also an opportunity to reflect on our shared responsibility to care for creation, echoing the message of Laudato Si’, which calls us towards action, dialogue, and a deeper ecological conversion. Participants were invited to share their personal experiences from the day, how the activities impacted them, and their hopes for future engagement. Fr. Francis La Aung and Nanise also shared their own experiences of being involved in Columban Mission and their personal journeys towards ecological conversion.
Through the sharing, participants gained a greater appreciation of the history and mission of the Columbans in Fiji, as well as the ongoing work being carried out in response to the challenges facing our communities and our common home. The day ended in hope and a commitment to continue to care for creation.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator (Region of Oceania)
Related links
- Read more from the current e-Kaulotu - September 2026
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