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History
The Marists arrived in Fiji in about 1844. Fathers Roulleauax and Breheret were the first missionaries. They went first to Lakeba in Llau, where they spent more than 10 years, but they made very few converts.
In 1855 they moved to Levuka, which became the headquarters of the mission. From there slowly they spread out to Rewa on the near coast of the main island, Viti Levu, then to Solevu in Bua in the west of the second biggest island, Vanua Levu.
Fiji was made a Prefecture Apostolic in in 1863, with Father Breheret at its head. In 1887 it became a Vicariate Apostolic under Bishop Vidal.
Our men
At present there are 20 Marists working in the Fiji region. (This does not include those Marists who work in houses of formation or other works in Fiji directly under the provincial.) Of these 20, 15 are priests, 3 are brothers and two are seminarians on pastoral year.
Three of the priests are officially retired, but they seem to have a rather broad interpretation of retirement, as all three are involved in various pastoral works.
Of these 9 Marists, there remain 5 European missionaries (2 retired), 7 are from Fiji, and 2 are from New Zealand. |
Where we work
We have responsibility for five parishes in Fiji.
Nadi Airport
Laucala Bay (in Suva)
Levuka (on the island of Ovalau)
Wairiki (on the island of Taveuni)
Rotuma Island
We also have a community at St. John’s College, Cawaci, on the island of Ovalau, who are involved in looking after the boy boarders, and also the teaching of religion in the school.
See website for:
St. John's College, Cawaci |
