News
Archbishop Ordination to go down in Fiji's history
Akosita Talei
June 8, 2013 5:33 am
The Ordination of Archbishop Peter Loy Chong today marked more than a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church in Fiji and the region.
Thousands converged at the Vodafone Arena in Suva today to witness this divine event which will no doubt feature in Fiji’s history books.
It goes without saying that today was also an emotional one, not just for the many that turned up, but for this man, Father Peter Loy Chong, the new archbishop of the Catholic Church of Fiji.
“In this ordination God calls us for a moment to put aside racial, ethnic, religious, political barriers and differences. To listen to his call, to see and to follow the light of Gods power.”
Father Chong is the second Fijian and diocesan priest to be raised to this honour.
Many left their families, villages and islands to be present here.
A group of seventy men and women left Yasawa on Thursday for Suva to witness and experience the historic event.
Yasawa Parish delegate Alosio Bogileka says it is a great opportunity.
”A few of us from the Yasawas got delegated to come to this ordination and it is indded a great honour to be here.”
For a group of Tongans studying in Suva, the ordination is a true reflection of great leadership.
Stella Sitela a student at FNU’s School of Medicine says this encourages her to be a great leader.
”Being a leader is very hard and you have to be a role model to the people and being a follower of Jesus. This is very important to me.
This was also the time to rekindle lost ties, meet old friends and one which drew much attention was the merchandises to be kept for memories.
Letila Masara of the Merchandising committee says people bought merchandises for their families who did not make it to the event.
”Before mass ended, people started coming to buy but we told them we’ll start selling after the mass ends but sales is going on very well.”
Archbishop Chong will be later installed at the Sacred Heart Cathedral at 9am tomorrow.
The ordination was attended by The President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and the First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum along with other government representatives.
