I spent two weeks in Ba Parish over Christmas, assisting the Parish Priest. On the Sunday before Christmas, under a blazing sun and a brilliant blue sky, I left Ba town at 8:00 am for a 40-minute drive into the mountains to Navala village. The day’s Mass included a wedding - a joyous occasion with a couple of minor hiccups.
The groom, a teacher from Navala, and his bride from Vanua Levu were united in the eyes of God and the Church. Afterward, I had a quick cup of tea while a couple of adults handed out sweets I’d brought for the children. Before leaving, I was touched to receive beautifully woven mats from the women as a gift to the parish in honor of the wedding.
Our journey continued deeper into the hills, another 40 minutes by van. The dry weather was a blessing, as the rain-soaked roads had previously carved deep furrows into the steep paths. The heat, however, was relentless. By the time we arrived at the stream in front of Tabalai village, it was well past midday.
In the host’s home, Catholics from two neighboring villages gathered with two extended families from Tabalai. The room was filled with laughter and chatter, with others spilling out onto the verandahs. After Mass, I sat outside on the verandah, enjoying the breeze as the men mixed yaqona and I shared more sweets with the children.
A catechist’s daughter who married into the village 40 years ago had helped introduce Catholicism to her husband and another family. Today, their faith continues to grow.
The local catechist will soon be joined by a younger man, eager to begin his three-year training at the catechist school. A hopeful sign for the community’s future.
Later, back in Navala, I was grateful for a refreshing shower and a brief rest. That evening, we shared more yaqona, accompanied by the rhythmic snores of a visiting woman hidden behind a curtain. The locals jokingly called it “an electric saw.”
The next morning, after a simple breakfast, I was invited to the groom’s home for a formal farewell yaqona ceremony.
With happy memories of the warm hospitality in Navala and Tabalai, my companions and I made our way back to town, hearts full of the experience.
Columban Fr Frank Hoare lives and works in Fiji.
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Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2025
