SHE was to have taken part in today’s Palm Sunday service which is celebrated in many Christian churches. There are processions in which palm fronds are waved by children and the faithful celebrating the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
Mere Ailevu Macedru will however not participate in today’s service as she was murdered a few days ago.
The 14-year-old was farewelled yesterday by hundreds of mourners from all walks of life at the Arts Village cemetery at Pacific Harbour.
A wave of emotion swept over the crowd when the Years 7 and 8 students of Lomary Catholic Primary School, which Mere attended, sang hymns — Lord I long to see you face to face and Our Father who art in Heaven.
Officiating at the funeral service, pastor Tavaga Narawa of the Assemblies of God Church at Vunibuabua in Deuba, said death was an integral part of life as everyone would eventually die.
He was assisted by Joe Kacesi, the senior pastor of the Church of God in Deuba — where Mere and her family used to worship.
Mere, who was the eldest in her family, was escorted to her classroom for the final time yesterday for five minutes, then to her home for another five minutes then to her final resting place.
Mere’s mother, Sili Keni, is pleading with the police to apprehend the person who committed this heinous act.
Police are requesting the full co-operation of the public for information that may lead to the arrest of whoever caused Mere’s death.
Spokeswoman Naina Ragigia said they would continue to pursue all avenues of investigation and information gathering and urged the public to come forward with whatever information they had regarding the incident.
“The public is encouraged to pass this information through our Crime Stoppers line on 919 through call or text. They are also encouraged to contact our divisional crime officer south on 9905 575 or the Pacific Harbour Community Post on 9905 388,” she said.
