| Background: I come from a family of 4 sisters and 2 brothers, my parents are both alive and retired, my mum is a retired elementary school teacher, and my father is also a retired vocational schoolteacher and now runs his own small construction company with the help of my eldest brother. Growing up we moved around a lot because of the nature of my mother’s work which involved moving from schools to schools. I attended all Catholic Schools from elementary to high school and then went on to the Fiji National University to study Nautical Science. I completed a diploma level in my nautical science and went on to work on cargo ships and also Ro-ro vessels or well known as roll on roll off ship referring to the ship that serves the outer islands of Fiji from the main Island. I have a very spiritual and very Catholic family background but I was kind of lost of all that when I joined the seafaring industry. As we all know, it is tough out there. There were a lot of temptations, but I still managed to find my way back to the Church. I also spent some of my years working with various youth groups, particularly in my home parish and in our archdiocese. I was very much involved with setting up programs and doing outreach programs to help the youths find work or even farm and be able to support themselves and earn their living. I also spent about 2 years working with a non-governmental organization called the Pacific Center for Peacebuilding which was funded by the Australian Aid. We mainly developed and worked with those living in the rural areas around Fiji. And at the same time, allowing and creating a platform between them and the government or local authorities and aid from other countries that would help and benefit them as a community. When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest? Honestly, I think I had it in me since I was in elementary school, but somehow along the way it faded away and when I reached high school, I felt it was far from me. When I joined the maritime industry, I was sure it was not my calling because I didn’t even pray or go to Mass even during Easter and Christmas most of the time I was out at sea. However, I found my way back in 2017 and 2018 when I was asked to work with our Catholic youth groups within our archdiocese. It was during those times that I started to feel this call deep in me and it was also the time when I felt it in me to say yes to his calling for me. Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts? I chose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts because I love the charism, which is the very core of all people, that is to live, contemplate and proclaim the Love of God to all. How can I do that, by starting from my very self and knowing, understanding, and accepting that I am a broken human being and that I am also the beloved of God. At the same time, is beautiful for me to carry that and be able to live my life around that Love which only comes from God will surely impact the lives of others. We will be able to accept and give that love to all. Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself: I like to go for a walk, not too far but just enough, or play the guitar and sing, and even going out and sightseeing. Favorite Bible passage: John 10 :10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Your favorite saint: Saint Damien of Molokai. |
