The Columbans in Fiji continue to promote social cohesion and peace through various interfaith activities. Pescila Magdalin, the Interreligious Dialogue (IRD) Coordinator at the Columban Mission Office in Suva, reports on a few of their recent efforts for dialogue in the pacific.
Photo: Members from different religions participate in eco event on biodiversity, co-hosted by the Columban Mission Office in Suva.
Multifaith event on creation and care for biodiversity
To mark World Environment Day in June, Pescila joined with Christian, Hindu and Muslim representatives, and government and the non-government organisations, to co-host an eco-event, ‘Connecting with Ways to Care for the Earth and Biodiversity’. Pescila commenced proceedings with an opening prayer attributed to St Francis of Assisi and briefly shared on the local interreligious initiatives of the Columbans, highlighting that the collective efforts of people from different faiths and of good will can make a significant difference in protecting the planet’s biodiversity. Ioane Nawaikula, the Columban Peace, Justice and Ecology coordinator, spoke of the days of creation and humanity’s stewardship of Mother Earth. About 50 people attended this informative event.
Creating awareness of interreligious dialogue in schools
Photo: Marist Bros secondary students at Pescila Magdalin’s talk on the importance of fostering dialogue with members of other faiths.
In July, Pescila spoke with Marist Brothers High School Catholic students about the importance of interreligious dialogue to foster understanding and respect through the collaboration of individuals from different religious backgrounds. The four forms of dialogue – life, action, theological exchange, and religious experience – were highlighted to students. Students said they were inspired after seeing Pescila’s presentation on interreligious dialogue activities in Suva.
On the invitation of Holy Family parish priest in Labasa, Columban Fr Carlo Jung, Pescila presented to primary and secondary school students the importance of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. At the end of the presentation, the children shared the message that we need to love others as we love ourselves. Pescila also delivered the presentation to various community groups in Labasa – two Mandali groups, other Christian communities, churches, catechists, and religious organisations. Pescila also visited Sikh religious leaders and committees at their gurdwara, the Fiji Muslim League, Methodist Church, Anglican church, Shri Sanatan Dharm, the Arya Samaj and the Sai organisation to promote interreligious dialogue, improve relationships, and create a more harmonious coexistence among diverse religious communities.
Multifaith drugs task force meeting
Photo: Multifaith members gathered to collaborate on solutions to assist people vulnerable to drug addiction.
In September, on the invitation of the Ministry of Education and supported by UNICEF, Pescila joined representatives from the The Latter-Day Saints, Arya Samaj, Shri Sanatan Dharm, Seventh Day Adventist church, Fiji Muslim League, Catholic church, Fiji Evangical Fellowship church and Methodist church, to discuss solutions to combat drug and alcohol addiction in their communities.
After watching a presentation on the destructive impact of drug and alcohol addiction on the individual and the wider the community, Pescila joined with faith leaders and representatives in groups to generate processes that can raise awareness, provide counsellors, form self-help groups, and nurture quality family time, among others, to combat drug abuse in their communities. Drawing on God and human values, this collective effort by different faith groups aims to promote holistic healing for young people and adults vulnerable to addiction.
The Ministry of Health hosted a follow up event on mental health, with the theme of “changing the narrative on suicide”. Pescila attended sessions on breaking the stigma of suicide and the roles of faith-based communities in helping prevent ill mental health. A candlelight vigil took place to honour those who had lost their lives to suicide. This brought a message of hope, healing and the importance of continuing the conversation, building support and engaging in suicide prevention efforts.
Pescila Magdalin is the coordinator of the Interreligious Dialogue Columban Mission Office in Suva, Fiji.
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin.
