Around 25 years ago I celebrated the marriage of Iosefo Tuitai from Rewa and Repeka from Bua at St Anthony’s Church in Raviravi. They lived in Nakavika settlement by the sea but used to walk the two miles to Raviravi Church frequently during my time in Ba parish.
Then I left Fiji for Ireland and the U.S. for about 9 years and then spent two years in Labasa. After coming to Suva in 2011 I attended the feast of St Anthony occasionally and would meet Iosefo there but not Repeka. He told me that she had gone blind suddenly and later became unable to walk.
A couple of weeks ago after the celebration of St Anthony’s feast day at Raviravi, I went with Iosefo to his home. Rebeka is 85 years old and Iosefo is 70 years. They have no children and their relatives are far away. He looks after all her needs and shops, cooks, washes and cleans the house.
They survive on his FNPF and her social welfare allowance. He told me that it has got much harder in recent weeks with the increase in the price of things. Adult diapers, that she needs, used to be $13 a packet and have now risen to $20 a packet. Bus fares, food, and other necessities have also gone up.
We prayed and Iosefo gave Repeka Holy Communion which he brings from the church whenever there is Mass there. Iosefo is the only Catholic in the near neighborhood but he is giving an amazing example of Christian love and service to his neighbors from other churches. I left their house in awe of how he cares for his wife. I have no doubt that he will receive his reward from the Lord.
by Fr. Frank Hoare
