Following the 2022 election of a new Fijian government, Catholic education in Fiji faced a distinct challenge. With the required return of school chaplains throughout Fiji in August 2024, the agency of Catholic ethos and spiritual accompaniment are gradually coming to life in schools around the country after years of neglect and restrictions imposed by the previous government. St. Joseph's Secondary School is one such institution that has endured, steadfastly Catholic and spiritual.
Although the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny arrived into Fiji in 1888, it wasn't until 1956 that St Joseph’s Secondary School was established at its present location on Waimanu Road. A week after they had celebrated their foundress Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, they had welcomed the Columbans.
The students of St. Joseph’s Secondary School were first introduced to the teachings of Laudato Si’ on July 21 and 23, aligning them with the actual pollution and environmental neglect that exist in Fiji. One in particular was the threat to Fiji's food security posed by the increasing prevalence of microplastics in food sources.
This is manifested through the concept of “Integral Ecology”, which emphasizes how small actions may have significant effects and how the vulnerable or poor are frequently the ones who suffer the most from environmental degradation. This captivated the students, revealing how their everyday choices, however small, could set off a domino effect on the environment.
Many were stirred to consider how their school could model environmental responsibility. Some students even sought to spearheading initiatives within their own school to enable a waste management system. This was an indication that these students wanted to take a more proactive role in taking care of their environment.
At the heart of this renewed energy and openness to spiritual and ecological awareness is a leader rooted in the Catholic ethos. Ms. Jacqueline Low, Head of School at St. Joseph’s Secondary School, and its Religious Education Department has long been a steadfast advocate for Catholic spirituality, well before the requirement for school chaplains was reinstated. Their commitment reflects the spirit of Laudato Si’, which calls everyone to care for our common home through dialogue, and action.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
JPIC Coordinator - Region of Oceania
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