The Congregation of the Mission, Oceania Province in Fiji, organized a significant five-day gathering, 6 May—10 May, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Congregation of the Mission. Almost 300 Vincentian youths from three parishes, St. Vincent de Paul in Nausori, St. Michael in Kadavu, and St. John the Apostle Parish in Natovi, came together for this special event. The aim of this celebration was to forge connections and deepen their understanding of the Vincentian spirituality.
As participants arrived and gathered together in the peaceful surroundings of St John the Apostle Parish, Natovi, on Tuesday evening, there was an undeniable buzz of excitement and a sense of purpose that set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Wednesday began with engaging sessions that explored the life and teachings of Vincent de Paul. Learning about Vincent’s legacy not only provided a great historical context but also ignited a call to action among the youth. The discussions were lively, encouraging everyone to reflect on how the values of Vincentian spirituality could inspire their own lives and vocations today. Left with a renewed appreciation, the participants were also challenged to become missionary disciples of the “Christ in Vincent” today.
On Thursday, the gathering took an important turn with a presentation from the Fiji Police Force about the dangers of drugs. This session was eye-opening and so relevant, addressing the very real issue of substance abuse that affects many young people today. Fiji Police representative, Corporal Waisea Bolabiu, shared insights about various types of drugs and their impact, sparking a vital conversation on resilience, decision-making, and the significance of seeking support in communities.
The day ended on a high note with presentations from both Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and Fr. Inia Tikolutu, both of whom emphasised how vital youth are in the Church’s synodal journey. Their encouraging words resonated with everyone, inspiring them to take ownership of their faith and engage in meaningful conversations within the Church community. A following session led by Caritas Fiji provided an interactive space to talk about personal challenges and practical tools to navigate these challenges. Sharing personal reflections and experiences helped create a sense of growth and healing among the participants.
Friday morning commenced with a crucial talk from the Ministry of Health representative about health awareness and HIV/AIDS. With the rise in the number of people in Fiji who were infected, it was deemed necessary to address this particular issue during this gathering. At midday, the Archbishop of Suva celebrated the closing Eucharist with the gathered assembly, which was a beautiful and uplifting moment. It reminded everyone of the unity formed during the gathering and the challenge to witness the “Christ in Vincent.”
Participants engaged in heartfelt prayers, reflecting on all the insights and friendships built over the past days. The day concluded with a shared meal that fostered camaraderie and was followed by fun social activities that brought joy and relaxation. On Saturday, after a final Eucharist, the participants collaborated in caring for the environment by cleaning the compound and planting trees. Finally, there was a warm, traditional Fijian farewell acknowledging the support of the St John the Apostle Parish community.
The five-day Vincentian gathering was so much more than just a series of sessions; it was a shared journey of discovery, understanding, and a commitment to live out the Vincentian values of service and compassion. The participants returned home to their parishes and homes with renewed energy, knowledge, and a deeper understanding of their roles as Vincentian youth. As they move forward, the experiences from this gathering will undoubtedly guide their paths and encourage them to embody Vincent de Paul’s spirit in their everyday lives.
Waisale Veileyaki
