GOSSIP ON THE WAY TO EASTER DINNEROct 28, 2022
Christmas and Easter are occasions of feasting for Fijian extended families. Whole pigs,
chickens and root crops are cooked in earth ovens. A long table cloth is spread the
length of the house or verandah with places set on both sides. Read more
THE SPOKESPERSONOct 28, 2022
Many of us passengers gathered on deck as our boat neared the port of Levuka, the old
capital of Fiji. I had ministered for some weeks in a Catholic village, part of Levuka
parish, on a nearby island. Read more
A Father’s CurseOct 28, 2022
Massage is a common traditional healing practice in Fiji and the Pacific. Young people
massage the feet, legs or bodies of their elders. Some masseurs work gently and softly
but the firm grip of others shocks every muscle, sinew and bone in the body. Read more
My First Indian WeddingOct 28, 2022
It was a big occasion for me. But I wasn’t happy. The young man’s father had told me
that the wedding was fixed for the school holidays in May.
“But I will be in Suva at that time for my annual retreat and a short holiday. You are
supposed to discuss the date with the priest before confirming it.” Read more
A Rural Marian ProcessionOct 28, 2022
As the assistant priest in Ba parish I often visit Votua village, 7 miles from Ba town. It sits
on the banks of the Ba River and has many ethnic Indian Sikh and Hindu cane farmers
living nearby. During May, the month of Mary, the Fijian people of Votua carry the statue
of the Virgin Mary from house… Read more
A Marian Processions in the CityOct 28, 2022
I attended a Marian procession in Newtown, a suburb of Suva city, tonight. About 50 people, mainly women and children walked behind the statue of our Lady of Fatima as it was carried from one family home to another. Read more
Speaking from ExperienceOct 28, 2022
Joseph was from Taveuni where his parents cut copra to feed a large family of 9
children. I first met Joseph when he was newly married and staying in Jittu Estate. He
learned the skills of construction and building maintenance and started his own small
firm. He did well. Read more
