On Tuesday 8 December 2021, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the parishioners of the parishes of St Joseph the Worker, Tamavua and St Joseph the Husband of Mary, Naililili came together to mark the ending of the year of St Joseph with a Mass in the FMF National Gymnasium.
It was 150th year since St Joseph was declared Patron Saint of the Universal Church. Pope Francis wrote an Apostolic Letter ‘Patris Corde’ to commemorate the occasion. Fr Donal McIlraith published this Letter in a booklet form which was distributed to all attending the Mass at the National Gymnasium by the staff of the Columban Mission Office, Nasese.
Fr Mika Tikoisuva from St Joseph the Worker parish, Tamavua was the main Celebrant while the homily was given by Fr Pio from St Joseph, Husband of Mary Parish Naililili parish gave a most reflective homily – saying that we were together to celebrate Life – based on the life of the Holy Family. Fr Mika and Pio were joined by 7 other priests from the Central Eastern Division. It was a most joyous occasion and a fitting conclusion to the Year of St Joseph.
One of the main features of the evening was the returning of the Statue of St Joseph, which the parishioners of Tamavua lent to the Parish of St Joseph’s Naililili at the start of the year 8/12/2020 – but due to the pandemic the statue could not be return until this celebration on the 8/12/21.
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