The path to becoming a Columban missionary priest is a long, exciting, and varied. After the Society’s historic decision in 1982 to accept vocations from our countries of mission, the Fiji Region moved in 1984 to establish its own local program. It was helped greatly by the proximity of the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva, as well as the good reputation, Columbans had built up in their long years in Fiji to that point.
The program started in 1986 in a rented apartment in Raiwai, Fr David Arms was the Rector and Charles Duster his assistant. David was shortly replaced by Paul Tierney. One of the first group students was Ioane Gukibau. Ioane was ordained December 1994 and now assigned to Peru.
In 1990 the program moved to its present location at 239 Queen Elizabeth Drive in Nasese. Vincent Ratnam was the first Indo-Fijian to join the Columbans assigned in Chile and Palenapa Tavo was the first Tongan assigned in Peru. Taaremon Matauea a Banaban from Rabi assigned in Taiwan and Pat Visanti from the Island of Rotuma assigned to Pakistan.
The students enroll into the Pacific Regional Seminary for their academic studies. They usually do few years of Philosophy, then Theology. At a later stage, they may continue their Theology studies in one of several possible overseas locations with Columban students from other countries. Columban students are usually sent to the Philippines for further studies.
The formation programme includes a 'Spiritual Year', which is a specific time of prayer, discernment, reflection, and pastoral work done in another country with other Columban students. The formation programme also includes two years on mission assignment with Columbans overseas.
The student usually returns home for his deaconate and Ordination to the Columban missionary priesthood. It is a day of celebration and thanksgiving for a new Columban, his family, friends, and the Columban Community.
