Children of the parish highlighting both global and Fiji realities during the ecological ways of the cross - Photo: Fr Felisiano Fatu
In the previous years, the Stations of the Cross have been inside the Church of St. Pius X, Raiwaqa Parish. The head of the Evangelization Commission proposed for the Stations to be in the streets of the parish. The commission then requested the Columban Companions in Mission (CCIM Raiwaqa) to take the lead in getting permits from Fiji Road Authority and the Fiji Police Force for the walk but also in organizing the eleven sectors of the parish to lead the prayers and reflections on the fourteen stations. The youths and young children also participated strongly during the stations of the cross. It was close to four hundred parishioners who participated fully and reflectively during the walk despite the heavy humidity and heat of the morning. The stations commenced at the front of the church and moving on to different stops around a block within the parish boundary and ended up again in the church compound.
The text of the Ecological Ways of the Cross prepared by the Columbans and used by the parishioners to call to mind the need to care for our earth despite the climate changes and sea level rising that are now impacting our small island nations. It also highlighted the ongoing conflicts, wars, death, and destructions that are currently impacting our world at present and to make sense of them considering Jesus’ passion and violent death. And more importantly our reflections on its ultimate impact on the death of innocent people especially the poor, women, and children. These contemporary realities elucidated by the banners and placards prepared by the CCIM members and carried by children and young people inviting everyone to reflect and to be aware of the negative impacts they have on the world including Fiji too. The rise in drugs use and HIV by young people in Fiji were key concerns.
Two women from St. Joseph the Worker community carrying the cross - Photo: Fr Felisiano Fatu SSC
The cross carried by a diverse group of parishioners ranging from children, young people, senior citizens, different parish organizations, and Parish Pastoral Council leaders. The ambience of the stations of the cross can be characterised by a ‘sensum fidei,’ (a sense of faith), ‘a sensum orandi’ (a sense of prayer) and a sense of solidarity and unity among the parishioners. Everyone appreciated the Ecological Stations of the Cross which nurtured deep and prayerful reflections. It also raised awareness and consciousness about both contemporary and Fiji realities that negatively impact people especially the poor, our common home, and the need to do something magnanimously lifegiving about them.
On a personal note, I found the experience to be a prayerful and contemplative one. It was also stimulating when I paused to listen and reflect on how the contemporary and Fiji realities question me about responsibilities, accountability and making sense of Jesus’ passion and death considering their negative impacts on people and our earth. The Ecological Ways of the Cross were certainly the platform for a deeper sense of prayer, faith, and gratitude to God.
Columban Fr Felisiano Fatu lives and works in Fiji.
Parishioners in front of the church getting ready to begin the stations of the cross - Photo: Fr Felisiano Fatu SSC
