Tag: Marist Sisters in Fiji

General Councillor Welcomed in Fiji

It was with great joy that the Marist Sisters in Fiji welcomed General Councillor, Sr Mari Aranda, to Fiji. Mari was elected to the General Council of the Marist Sisters in May 2022. This is her first official visit to Fiji.

During her visit Mari will visit the Marist Sisters communities and learn of their history and mission involvement since 1892. She will also encourage the sisters in their Marist vocation and share news of other parts of the Congregation.

The Sisters in Fiji are delighted to have Mari visit them. Mari presented the sisters with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe and shared with them the story behind the image.

 

Sisters in Fiji Gather

Marist Sisters in Fiji recently gathered for their annual Assembly. This wonderful event was held in their new convent in Nadi. It was faciliated by Marist Father Samu Tukidia and Unit Leader, Sr Mariana Tevurega. They led the sisters throughout the weekend using the synodal process.

Every voice of the sisters was heard resulting in very meaningful participation and discussion. They considered issues related to Unit and Community Life.

Blessing of Nadi Convent and Chapel

It was in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving that Marist Sisters in Fiji and their friends recently gathered in  Nadi for the blessings of their new convent and chapel. Fr Veremo, the Vicar for the West, was appointed by Archbishop Peter Loy to conduct the ceremony. Five priests concelebrated the Mass and assisted with the blessing ritual. Following the ceremony there was a celebratory meal. The new convent has been purpose built to cater for the elderly and those needing extra care.

 

New Leadership in Fiji

Marist Sisters in Fiji gathered recently to ritualise the change of leadership in Fiji. On 8th December, during a Mass at the end of their annual retreat, Sr Lavinia Henry passed the symbol of leadership to Sr Mariana Tevurega.

The sisters prayed in gratitude for Sr Lavinia’s service and asked blessings on Sr Mariana as she begins her three year mandate as leader. Sr Mariana will be assisted by Srs Lora Adikakai and Raitiera Teiti.

Jubilee Celebrations in Fiji

Marist Sisters in Fiji gathered recently to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sr Marlen Giblin and the Diamond Jubilee of Sr Margaret Sharma. The day started with Mass at 1.30 pm. Fr Cecil Williams, a close family friend came from Suva to celebrate the Mass. He made it very special and at the end of the Mass, he called Marlene and Margaret to the front and conferred on them a special blessing. Members of the congregation also  raised their hands in blessing.
After the Mass Sr Rosemary invited all present to come to the convent for formalities and lunch. All enjoyed the meal , the dessert and the jubilee cake. It was a very pleasant afternoon.
Congratulations Marlene and Margaret. May your Jubilee year be filled with blessings.

Sr Birisita Professes Life Vows in Fiji

Congratulations to Sr Birisita Bibi who made her Perpetual Profession as a Marist Sister in Fiji recently. Biri’s family and friends from Levuka, where Biri has been on mission over recent years, arrived in Lami in great numbers on Friday 6th December. They were accommodated at the school premises.

At 10.00 am on the 7th December, the Profession Mass began in the parish church in Lami, Suva. Fr John Crispin sm was main celebrant. He was assisted by six other priests. The church was filled to the doors with the presence of the Marist Sisters, Biri’s family and the youth choir from Levuka. The whole community  was filled with joy as Sr Biri made her final commitment to God. At the end of the Mass, all were invited to the parish hall for lunch. After lunch the sisters gathered at the convent for the unwrapping of gifts. What a happy day it was for the sisters, for Biri’s family and friends and for Biri.

For Biri, we pray that her journey as a Marist Sisters will be richly blessed as she endeavours to follow Christ by living the Gospel as Mary did.

Celebrating Marist Jubilees

What a wonderful celebration it was when Marist Sisters in Fiji, family and friends gathered to celebrate the Golden and Diamond Jubilees of Marist Profession for Srs Veronica Lum and Torika Wong. Archbishop Peter Chong Loy was Chief celebrant at the Mass and he reminisced on his school days at St John’s College when Vero was his Chemistry teacher. Many of Vero’s classmates of Loreto were present and lots of Sr Torika’s relatives. The family sang a beautiful hymn after communion. About two hundred guests packed the parish hall. The food was delicious. We praise and thank God for our two sisters and their dedicated service to the church in Fiji and the Philippines.

 

Sr Loyola Grehan sm

Sr Loyola Grehan sm was called to eternal life on Wednesday 31st July 2019.

Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord.
May perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.

We extend our prayerful sympathy to the Marist Sisters in Fiji and to Sr Loyola’s family and friends.

Rich Experiences in Fiji

Students from Cerdon College Merrylands went to Fiji believing they were needed. They quickly learnt that it is in giving that we also receive. The students are very grateful to the Marist Sisters in Fiji for enabling them to have such wonderful experiences. They have come home richer people as a result of the time they spent there.

Sr Mary Christopher Sweeney

Sr Mary Christopher Sweeney sm was called to eternal life on Thursday 10th May 2018.

Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord.
May perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.

We extend our prayerful sympathy to the Marist Sisters in Fiji and to Sr Mary Christopher’s family.