LAKEBA Island in Lau will become the centre of celebrations this weekend, marking 184 years of Catholic faith in Fiji.
The celebrations, beginning on Friday and concluding on Sunday, will commemorate the arrival of Catholicism in Fiji in 1842 — two years before the first Catholic missionaries officially arrived in the country in 1844.
Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said Lakeba was chosen because of its significant place in the history of the Catholic Church in Fiji. He said Catholicism was first introduced to Fiji by catechist Mosese Vaitaba, who was left on Lakeba by missionaries and arrived two years before the missionaries themselves.
“So this year is quite a memorable one for Catholics and Christians as a whole in Fiji,” Archbishop Loy Chong said.
He said the anniversary provided an opportunity for the church to reflect on its past, assess its present position and consider its future.
The celebrations will be kept low-key and focused on the Lakeba community, following the recent installation of the Tui Nayau, which placed significant demands on the island’s resources.
Rather than bringing large numbers from Viti Levu and elsewhere, the church has sent a small team comprising a priest, seminarian and two catechists to support local celebrations and renew understanding of the faith.
A plaque and stage commemorating the arrival of Catholicism will also be blessed.
Archbishop Loy Chong said the anniversary was not simply about history, but about renewing faith for future generations.
