Fr Aminiasi Waqa Ravuwai is the son of the late Mr. Vilikesa Ravuwai of Nailawa, Tokaimalo, Ra and the late Mrs. Melania Veidre of Valovoni, Saqani. He is the fourth of ten children. Before joining the Missionary Society of St Columban, he was a teacher by profession and taught at Lelean Memorial School for five (5) years.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he joined the Columban Formation in 2013. After a year of study at the Pacific Regional Seminary (PRS), he went to the Philippines for the Spiritual Year Programme [2014]. He returned to Fiji in 2015 to continue theological studies at PRS. In 2016, Rev. Fr Aminiasi, together with another Columban seminarian, was sent to Peru for his first mission assignment (FMA).
During his FMA experience, he recalled this memorable experience that stuck with him. “Once I was making my rounds visiting the sick in our parish of Huandoy (outskirts of Lima, Peru), I came upon this blind old woman. After giving communion and saying a few prayers, she held my hands and asked, “Amas lo que haces?” (Do you love what you’re doing?) My answer was a simple “Si!” (Yes!). Then she said, “Seguir adelante” (Carry on).
Fr. Aminiasi returned to Fiji in 2018 to resume his studies at PRS. In November 2020, he finally completed his studies at PRS and graduated with distinction. Fr Amini was ordained priest at the Suva Cathedral by Archbishop Chong on 22nd December 2020.
Fr Aminiasi went to South America working in the parish of Los Santos Arcangeles, where he worked until his death on the January 9, 2025. He is buried in Campo Fe, Lima, Peru.
