A parishioner from the Fijian community and Fr Tom. Photos: Fr Don Hornsey
On Sunday the 17th of May, a large number of our friends, along with parishioners from Taita, Naenae, Avalon and Lower Hutt parishes, gathered together at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Lower Hutt, to celebrate 50 years of priesthood for Fr Tom Rouse. Tom presided at the Mass, during which he remembered the time he had spent in Fiji and his studies in Ireland in Scripture and Sociology. This led to him being called to teach the diminishing number of students at the seminary in Turramurra, Sydney, and then at the Columban Mission Institute, which is also in Turramurra. For the last 10 years, Tom has been resident at St Columbans in Lower Hutt, engaging in many varied activities.
The presence of the Fijian community was notable at the Mass, and they sang a beautiful, harmonious communion hymn. After the Mass, all were invited to share in the tasty Fijian food prepared, along with the beautiful cake made for the occasion.
It was a joyous opportunity to catch up with many friends, especially with Kevin Kehoe and his wife, Helen, visiting from Australia, as Kevin had been associated with the Columbans for many years and had spent time as a missionary in Fiji.
It was inspiring to see how many people valued the presence of Tom and the Columbans in Fiji and now in Aotearoa. May God continue to bless Tom and the Columban community so that we may continue our missionary work for many years to come.
Fr Don Hornsey lives and works in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
