On March 5, I joined Noa, our JPIC Coordinator, in visiting the Holy Family Parish in Labasa, one of Fiji’s second-largest islands. We had been invited by Fr. Carlo to share with parishioners the Lenten Ecological Way of the Cross. Together, we traveled to villages and communities, sometimes leading prayers, always reflecting with the people on this way of the cross.
As I prayed and walked alongside them, I was struck by how deep, meaningful, and inclusive the reflections were. We prayed for God’s mercy, compassion and healing for the suffering of humanity and the suffering of Mother Earth. We asked the Holy Spirit to guide us, to create in us humble and loving hearts, so that we be intentionally motivated to care for creation and for one another. God’s creation and God’s people are inseparably connected, precious, and important in His eyes. This ecological Way of the Cross became for me an inspiring, emotional, and encouraging experience of prayer.
My time in Labasa brought back memories of journeying with the people of Rancho Anapra in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. I recalled Pope Francis’ words: La Iglesia en salida—the Church Going Forth. This pastoral vision calls the Church to leave its temples and structures, to draw closer to people, especially the marginalized, bringing Christ’s message and promoting social justice. It is a missionary, inclusive, and outward-looking Church.
During my ten days at Holy Family Parish, I witnessed this vision lived out. The priests encouraged the lay faithful to carry the Lenten Cross into their communities, meeting society where it is, praying together, listening, and accompanying those who may not regularly participate in ecclesial life. Growing up, I knew the Stations of the Cross only within the church walls each Friday of Lent. Here, Fr. Carlo and Taaremon intentionally embraced La Iglesia en salida, reminding the baptized that we are all missionaries by nature, called to live out our baptismal vocation in the world.
Some parishioners shared their experiences while reflecting on the Ecological Way of the Cross. They expressed how deeply inclusive and meaningful the prayers felt. Moving by this encounter, they decided to keep the booklet to use both personally and communally during prayer and gatherings.
I personally felt connected to the people, faith tradition and community life. It became part of my journey adjustment and adaptation to reverse mission after 18 years of cross-cultural mission in other RMUs. This shared prayer experience reminded me that faith is not only lived individually but is strengthened and deepened through communal reflection and care for creation.
Sai Tamatawale is a Columban Lay Missionary in Fiji.
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