Columban Fr. Vincent with the Archbishop of Suva, His Grace Peter Loy Chong, among the parishioners of the St Pius X Parish in Raiwaqa, where they serve. Photo: Columban Mission Office.
Observed annually on the 20th of February, the World Day of Social Justice promotes global efforts to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2007, it encourages nations around the world to support social development, including decent work, gender equality and access to social well-being and justice. The Day aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
This year’s theme, “Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice,” echoes key principles of Catholic Social Teaching, particularly the dignity of the human person, solidarity, and the preferential option for the poor. As Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’, “the cry of the poor is the cry of the earth,” urging us to place the needs of the most vulnerable at the centre of our social, economic, and environmental responses.
For a country like Fiji, this call to social justice is not merely a social obligation but a calling rooted in Christ’s mission. In a culturally diverse country shaped by economic disparity and climate vulnerability, this call must be lived out through respect for all cultures, the protection of the voices of Indigenous iTaukei, Indo-Fijians, and migrants, and ensuring meaningful participation for all, especially the vulnerable.
“The priests said today they had no regrets about being forced to spend a night in jail. Father Rouse said they were at the demonstration because they sympathized with its cause – the return of democracy to Fiji.” – Canberra Times, May 16, 1988. Photo: Columban Archives.
These values are reflected in the mission of the Columban Missionaries in Fiji. Since the establishment of St. Pius X Parish in Raiwaqa in 1968, the Columbans have walked alongside marginalised communities and demonstrated that caring for the poor and creation requires collective effort. Today, Fr. Vincent Ratnam and Fr. Felisiano Fatu continue this ministry in a culturally diverse parish that includes three of Fiji’s largest informal settlements.
Historically, the Columbans’ commitment is most evident in their advocacy for secure urban housing. At Raiwaqa Parish, Fr. Dermot Hurley played a pivotal role in establishing the Housing Assistance and Relief Trust (HART), which, through its establishment, has helped build affordable housing around the greater Suva area for vulnerable families. This initiative emerged from a call made by Fr. Dermot to the Fiji Council of Churches in 1969, highlighting the urgent need to address housing insecurity among low-income families and those who have moved from rural communities. Fr Hurley’s leadership extended beyond the Church, as he also served as Chairman of the Housing Authority of Fiji from 1967 to 1975, where he stood in service of the people, demonstrating social justice for those in the periphery.
Fr. Dermot Hurley with the late Queen Elizabeth II visiting the HA Raiwaqa Estate. Photo: Columban Archives.
The mission has also required moral courage during national upheaval in Fiji. During the 1987 military coup, Columban priest Fr John McEvoy, together with fellow Columbans Fr Paul Tierney and Fr Tom Rouse, were present at an anti-coup rally in Suva. Along with others, they were arrested and detained, leading to court appearances over the following 12 months. Although those involved were initially found guilty of unlawful assembly, the case was ultimately dismissed by the judge. This episode stands as an example of the Columbans’ willingness to stand in solidarity with the people, even at personal cost, in defence of democracy and human rights.
Social justice for the Columbans is not limited to urban contexts. In the Naleba Community, under the Holy Family Parish of Labasa, the Columbans have ministered to an inter-cultural community and have long served the Catholic Indian community in Labasa. Through pastoral care, accompaniment, and inclusive parish life, the Columbans have fostered a space of belonging and mutual respect across cultures. This ministry ensures that faith communities remain in places where diversity is respected and social justice is lived out.
Columbans have ministered to an inter-cultural community and have long served the Catholic Indian community in Labasa. Photo: Columban Archives.
By bridging gaps and empowering the excluded, the World Day of Social Justice reminds us that faith must be lived through action. The Columban mission in Fiji reflects a Church that does not watch from the sidelines but walks with the vulnerable. Through this, we are all invited to live our faith by promoting justice and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Noa Tuivunilagi is the Columban Justice Peace & Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Coordinator in Fiji.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
