Columban Fr Donal McIlraith (left) enjoying lunch with villagers of Saliadrau in Fiji. - Photo: Fr Donal McIlraith
It has been four years since I last visited Saliadrau in Fiji. When I left, some villagers asked me to bring back a statue of Our Lady of Fatima. This past summer, while in Ireland, the opportunity arose.
During my time there, I ministered in my home parish of Macroom, the capital of Muskerry, where I was raised and ordained in 1971 by Bishop John Ahern of Cloyne. Surrounded by relatives, friends, and classmates, my ministry there is always a joyful experience.
A friend and fellow member of the Marian Movement of Priests (MMP) in Macroom, who was a few years behind me in school, asked if I would take care of a statue he had recently brought back from Fatima.I gladly accepted, knowing it would make its way to Saliadrau. Travelling halfway around the world with a statue is no challenge in the age of air travel.
Fr Rogasiano Raikivi, the parish priest of Namosi and my former student, whose parish includes Saliadrau, invited me to celebrate the last Sunday Mass of 2024 there.
I left Suva at 7 am with my frequent MMP travelling companion, Bill Rogoiwaqa. After forty minutes on a tar-sealed road, we turned onto a dirt road leading into the highest mountains of Viti Levu. Well-maintained despite steep gradients, the road posed no major obstacles. We arrived in Saliadrau shortly after 9 am.
The final stretch required a river crossing. Anticipating this, I had worn swimming shorts under my trousers and packed a knapsack. Removing my shoes but keeping on two pairs of socks to navigate the stones, I donned a sulu (a Fijian cotton skirt) over my shorts and waded into the river. The recent rains had swollen the waters, making the crossing trickier than before. A Catholic from a neighbouring village, Farasiko (Francis) Koroimara, was also en route to Mass. Identifying himself, he guided me safely across. After changing into dry shoes and regaining some semblance of dignity, we proceeded to the Catechist’s house to prepare for Mass.
The Mass began at 10 am with the newly arrived Fatima statue leading the procession. Since the community had already completed their Christmas confessions this visit did not include the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
As is customary in Fiji, the entire congregation sang throughout the liturgy. Being Holy Family Sunday and the Year of Luke, the Gospel reading was the Fifth Joyful Mystery of the Rosary - the finding of Jesus in the temple. The unity of Mary and Joseph in their search for Jesus was striking. I reminded the people of Saliadrau to pray that they never lose Jesus in their lives.
Columban Fr Donal McIlraith (centre) with the catechists after Mass. Photo: Fr Donal McIlraith SSC
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus' first recorded words were, "Why did you seek me? Did you not know I must be about my Father’s business?" Later in the Gospel, whenever Jesus used the word "must", it foreshadowed His death and resurrection. Mary and Joseph, however, did not understand this, as the text tells us. Nevertheless, Jesus returned to Nazareth and obeyed them - a lesson in obedience for children today.
After Mass, I led a cenacle in the chapel, which included the rosary, prayers for Pope Francis, and the Act of Consecration to Mary. This was followed by a delicious lunch of chicken and taro, eaten while sitting on the ground.
In Fiji, visiting priests are traditionally welcomed with a Sevusevu, an offering of kava as a gesture of gratitude. The rosary had delayed this, but soon after lunch, several elders arrived with a Tanoa, the ceremonial kava bowl, and the Sevusevu took place.
(Once, many years ago, while visiting Fred Giblin in New Zealand, a young friend of his son arrived with a bag of kava, announcing, "Mr Giblin, I have brought you a 'save you, save you.'" A useful anecdote for homilies in Fiji!)
Following the ceremony, I was offered pillows and invited to rest. A short, refreshing sleep on the matted floor prepared me for the return journey - including another river crossing.
Two days later, I found myself on a drip in the hospital. I suspect it was the river water in the kava that did me in, but who knows? It is all part of the bargain in peregrinari pro Christo -pilgrimage for Christ.
This was my first pilgrimage for the Holy Year. I pray it will not be my last.
Columban Fr Donal McIlraith lives and works in Fiji.
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - May 2025
