Fr. Carlo at the launch of the Season of Creation - Photo: Fr Carlo Jung
St. Pius X Parish, Raiwaqa
Parish commissions are going well. On Sunday, 24th August 2025, twenty-eight children received their First Holy Communion. The Parish is empowering children and youth by holding workshops and awareness programs. The Parish Youth are preparing for the Interfaith Season of Creation Pilgrim Walk and are also taking part in the Columban Companions in Mission (CCIM) gathering, which will be held on Sunday, 23rd August 2025 at Holy Family Parish, Labasa.
The Parish Evangelization Team has an outreach program in the communities. This team promotes faith and peace both locally and globally. Fr. Vincent Ratnam also participates in this outreach program, following a synodal approach. The Family Life Commission is preparing for an awareness workshop on drug abuse in families and communities.
The Parish held its Fun Day on Saturday, 26th July 2025. Parishioners generously contributed, and both priests and parishioners enjoyed the event. The Parish also celebrated a special Inclusive Mass for the hearing- and speech-impaired, using sign language during the Eucharistic celebration.
The Sema Group (parish women) is experiencing a revival with the help of Naanise Pola Mo’unga (Lay Missionary). This group works to empower women in the parish and collaborates with the Columban JPIC Coordinator in Fiji, Noa Tuivunilagi.
During the absence of Fr. Felisiano Fatu (Assistant Parish Priest), Fr. William Lee has been assisting with weekday and weekend Masses. Fr. Vincent Ratnam (Parish Priest) is in good form.
Holy Family Parish, Labasa
The Columban Fiji IRD Coordinator, Mrs. Pescila Magdali, visited the parish for a week in July 2025. She conducted several IRD awareness sessions for different groups in the parish, including the youth, CCIM, and the students of Holy Family Primary and Secondary Schools. She was also invited to the Northern Regional Catechist, Youth, and Clergy meetings of the Archdiocese of Suva which was held in Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish, Nabala. Fr. Euikyun Carlo Jung (Parish Priest) with Fr. Taaremon Matauea and Fr. Nbwi La Aung (Assistant Parish Priests) attended this awareness session.
On Saturday, 19th July, she led an Inter-Religious Dialogue Pilgrim Walk, which saw wonderful participation from Holy Family Parish as well as various faith-based groups: TISI Sangam, Hindu, Muslim and Catholics.
On Sunday, 27th July, forty-nine children received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Archbishop Peter Loy Chong was deeply impressed by the preparations for the Sacrament and by the strong participation of parishioners on Confirmation Day. Fr. Paul Tierney arrived in the parish a few days before the celebration. During his month-long stay, he visited different villages in the parish, where parishioners expressed mixed feelings—welcoming him back while also preparing to say farewell. He has since returned to Suva.
The Parish has launched the Season of Creation 2025. Members of the Parish Caritas Commission have started to deliver the key talks on Sundays. During the Parish Pastoral Council Meeting in August 2025, community leaders were informed and encouraged to work together in preparing for the Season of Creation 2025. The Columban Fiji JPIC Coordinator, Mr. Noa Tuivunilagi, is also planning to spend a week in the parish during this season to lead awareness programs.
Columban Fr Carlo Jung Euikyun
Regional Councillor
Related links
- Read more from the current e-Kaulotu - September 2025
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