Noa with students of St Joseph’s Secondary School - Photo: Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi
Following the 2022 election of a new Fijian government, Catholic education in Fiji faced a distinct challenge. With a mandatory return of the school chaplains throughout Fiji in August 2024, the agency of Catholic ethos and spiritual accompaniment is gradually coming to life in schools around the country after years of neglect and restrictions imposed by the previous government. St. Joseph's Secondary School is one such institution that has endured, steadfastly Catholic and spiritual.
Although the Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny arrived in Fiji in 1888, St Joseph’s Secondary School wasn't established at its present location on Waimanu Road until 1956. A week after they had celebrated their foundress, Blessed Anne Marie Javouhey, they had welcomed the Columbans.
On July 21 and 23, the students of St. Joseph’s Secondary School were introduced to the teachings of Laudato Si’. These teachings prompted a critical examination of the issues related to pollution and environmental neglect in Fiji. One significant concern highlighted was the threat to food security in Fiji, which is exacerbated by the increasing presence of microplastics in food sources.
This is manifested through the concept of “Integral Ecology”, which emphasises how small actions may have significant effects and how the vulnerable or poor frequently suffer the most from environmental degradation. This captivated the students, revealing how their everyday choices, however small, could set off a domino effect on the environment.
Many were stirred to consider how their school could model environmental responsibility. Some students even sought to spearhead initiatives within their own school to enable a waste management system. This indicated that these students wanted to take a more proactive role in caring for their environment.
A leader rooted in the Catholic ethos is at the heart of this renewed energy and openness to spiritual and ecological awareness. Ms. Jacqueline Low, Head of St. Joseph’s Secondary School and its Religious Education Department, has long been a steadfast advocate for Catholic spirituality, well before the requirement for school chaplains was reinstated. Their commitment reflects the spirit of Laudato Si’, which calls everyone to care for our common home through dialogue and action.
Noa Mervyn Tuivunilagi is the JPIC Coordinator for the Region of Oceania.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
