In the diverse community of Labasa, Fiji, a quiet but powerful movement is unfolding, one that brings together young students, women, and faith leaders from different religions to foster respect, understanding, and harmony.
This report by Columban interreligious dialogue coordinator Pescila Magdalin takes you inside these inspiring gatherings, where compassion, kindness, and dialogue are paving the way for a more peaceful and inclusive future. Join us to see how faith can unite communities and spark lasting social change.
Interfaith Sessions Promote Respect, Unity Among Labasa Youth
Students filled with excitement and looking forward to the follow up IRD awareness session on mutual understanding and respect. Photo: Pescila Magdalin
On 17-18 July 2025, I conducted a follow-up presentation on interreligious dialogue for students from Years 6 to 13 at Holy Family Parish schools and Nabala Parish in Labasa. The sessions aimed to promote mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious backgrounds.
A key part of the presentation was the introduction of The Golden Rule poster, which features sacred texts from 13 world religions, all expressing the shared moral principle: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” This message helped students recognise the universal values found across diverse faiths, particularly compassion, respect, and kindness. The poster served as a visual tool to emphasise that these values are not exclusive to any one tradition but are embraced by many.
Students engaged in thoughtful discussions about how this principle can be applied in their daily interactions with people of different beliefs and cultures. Many expressed a strong interest in further interfaith activities, including participation in the upcoming Interfaith Pilgrimage Walk.
Holy Family Parish Women Explore Interfaith Solidarity
As part of ongoing mission efforts, I gathered a group of women from Holy Family Parish, including members of the Columban Companions in Mission (CCIM), to explore the formation of a Women’s Interfaith Group and Outreach focused on emerging community needs through mercy and kindness. Recognising that women are often the heart of families, this initiative aims to promote our common humanity and foster harmony for a more peaceful world. Columban Fr Carlo also joined the meeting.
A key pastoral insight emerged: the need for an interfaith women’s group that brings together women of different religions, cultures, and ages in a spirit of friendship and solidarity. I shared examples from the Suva Women’s Interfaith Group, including gatherings around themes of faith, culture, mercy, environmental care, and shared concerns impacting women and communities. Religious festivals were highlighted as opportunities to celebrate shared values despite our differences.
This proposed group was seen as a concrete expression of compassion and dialogue. We also affirmed the importance of outreach to those in need through acts of mercy and kindness.
The CCIM members will meet again in August to plan engagement with non-Christian neighbours. This initiative, rooted in Gospel values, aims to foster peace, mutual respect, and inclusive community building.
CCIM members exploring women’s interfaith group and outreach. Photo: Pescila Magdalin
Walking Together: Labasa’s Interfaith Pilgrimage Inspires Peace
On 19 July, I organised an interfaith pilgrimage involving individuals from diverse religious backgrounds. Together, we visited five places of worship in Labasa:
- Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI Sangam)
- Sikh Gurudwara Temple
- Holy Family Catholic Church
- Shri Sanatan Dharm (Ram Mandir)
- Fiji Muslim League Naseakula Mosque
The purpose of this spiritual journey was to promote peace, mutual respect, and deeper understanding among various faith communities. At each place of worship, religious leaders warmly welcomed us and shared insights into their beliefs, values, and cultural practices. The atmosphere was one of openness and curiosity, with participants asking thoughtful questions that encouraged meaningful dialogue.
Through this experience, the group reflected on the richness of religious diversity, and the common values that unite us – compassion, respect, and care for others. Participants recognised how interfaith engagement can build relationships, promote tolerance, encourage peaceful coexistence, and foster social harmony. Many shared that this kind of understanding is essential in addressing social issues and creating lasting peace in our communities.
The pilgrimage concluded with collective prayers for peace and unity, followed by light refreshments. Nearly 50 participants took part, walking side by side and seeking God in their own unique ways. For many, it was their first time participating in such an event, and they expressed a strong desire for more interfaith encounters in the future.
This pilgrimage was a meaningful step toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and united community.
Interfaith pilgrimage. Photo: Pescila Magdalin
Faith Leaders Gather for Interreligious Dialogue Awareness
A PowerPoint presentation on the Interreligious Dialogue Awareness Campaign was held to engage and educate key faith leaders and community representatives in the northern region prior to their scheduled meeting. The purpose of the initiative was to foster mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and collaboration among diverse religious communities.
The session aimed to raise awareness of the importance of interreligious dialogue in building peace and understanding. It encouraged religious leaders to adopt inclusive practices and to promote The Golden Rule as a shared moral guideline across all major faiths. The campaign also challenged participants to expand their influence by “enlarging the space of the tent,” encouraging broader engagement across faith boundaries for the common good.
Attendees included priests from various parishes, youth representatives, catechism instructors, and parish chairpersons. They were introduced to the concept and significance of interreligious dialogue as a tool for strengthening social harmony and national unity. A central part of the presentation was an introduction to The Golden Rule poster—a simple yet powerful visual that presents sacred texts from various religions, all echoing the principle: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”
The presentation emphasised the value of welcoming diversity, building inclusive programs, and engaging in interfaith efforts rooted in compassion and respect. At the conclusion of the session, The Golden Rule posters were distributed, and participants expressed their appreciation for the awareness initiative and its relevance to their ongoing community work.
Fostering unity and shared commitment among Parish priests, Catechist, youths and chairpersons in the northern region. Photo: Pescila Magdalin
Pescila Magdalin is the coordinator of the Interreligious Dialogue Columban Mission Office in Suva, Fiji.
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin.
