The Ecological Way of the Cross draws a powerful connection between Christ’s suffering and the suffering of creation today. The devotion was introduced to several communities in rural villages and urban settings, reminding us that true conversion, begins from the heart. - Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
Owing to the closure of Labasa Airport for renovations, the journey north required endurance. What would normally be a short flight became an overnight passage—beginning with a bus ride from Suva to Natovi Jetty, followed by a ferry crossing to Nabouwalu in Vanua Levu, and completed with another long drive into the town of Labasa. Leaving Suva at 10 p.m., one would arrive the next morning at around 7 a.m., after more than 10 hours of continuous travel.
This journey was not without purpose. The JPIC mission at Holy Family Parish in Labasa was to introduce and share the Ecological Way of the Cross. I was also privileged to be accompanied by newly appointed Columban Lay Missionary, Sainiana Tamatawale, who has recently returned to the Oceania Region; and to her home in Fiji—after more than 11 years of mission in the US-Mexico Border. Part of the preparation for this trip involved compiling for the Ecological Way of the Cross, ensuring they were relevant to the realities of the communities we would encounter. This also included translating the texts into iTaukei, so that they could be more easily understood by local communities.
During the sacred season of Lent, in Holy Family Parish, Labasa, parishioners traditionally gather for a cross walk, accompanied by the rosary and prayers. This time, however, the walk took on a deeper ecological meaning. As we followed the cross through this devotion, we were invited to confront the reality of our wounded Earth. The Ecological Way of the Cross draws a powerful connection between Christ’s suffering and the suffering of creation today. It calls us to reflect on how our actions—through neglect and indifference; contribute to environmental destruction.
We are reminded of communities displaced by climate change, forced to flee rising seas, uninhabitable lands. In these realities, Christ continues to suffer with His people. As echoed in Laudato Si’, everything is connected; when creation suffers, humanity suffers, and Christ is present in that suffering.
During our time in Labasa, we journeyed across several communities within Holy Family Parish, sharing and living out the Ecological Way of the Cross in different settings. Each encounter became an opportunity not only to pray, but to reflect deeply on our relationship with creation and with one another.
Our visit began on Thursday, 5th March, with the St Christopher Community in Nabonu village, where We were warmly received and introduced to the spirit of the Ecological Way of the Cross. The following day, Friday, 6th March, we joined Holy Family Primary School as students led the Stations of the Cross. This was a meaningful opportunity for young people to engage with the ecological dimension of the devotion, connecting their faith with care for the environment. Later that day, we gathered with the wider parish community for the Stations of the Cross.
On Saturday, 7th March, we facilitated a formation session with Small Christian Community (SCC) Animators. This workshop focused on the spirituality and ethos of the Ecological Way of the Cross, equipping participants with the understanding and confidence to lead this devotion within their own communities. That same day, we visited the St Columban Community at Golf Link, continuing our engagement at the grassroots level.
Sunday, 8th March, saw us at Koromakawa with the St Joseph the Worker Community, where we shared in prayer and reflection. The following days continued this journey of accompaniment—on Tuesday, 10th March, with the St Michael A Community in the town area, and on Wednesday, 11th March, with the St Joseph the Husband of Mary Community in Yaudigi.
On Friday, 13th March, we returned to Holy Family Parish for the Stations of the Cross led by Holy Family Secondary School. The participation of the students once again highlighted the importance of forming young people to see the connection between faith and care for creation.
That same day, we also had the privilege of engaging with the Catholic Women’s League in celebration of International Women’s Day, under the theme “Give to Gain.” Notably, Holy Family Parish has dedicated 2026 as the “Year of Women,” recognising the invaluable role women play in the life of the Church and society. With Sainiana, we were honoured to contribute to this significant moment. She shared her experience as a Columban Lay Missionary, reflecting on the vital role women have played; and continue to play, as pillars of the Columban mission, both locally and globally.
As our time in Labasa came to an end, we began the long journey back to Suva, retracing the same path across land and sea. Yet this return carried a deeper meaning. Much like the Ecological Way of the Cross, our journey had been one of movement, reflection, and encounter, walking with communities, listening to their realities, and recognising Christ present in the suffering of both people and the Earth.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
Justice Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator (Region of Oceania)
Related links
- Read SaI Tamatawale's Article: Holy Family Pairsh - Ecological Way of the Cross
Comments (0)