CELEBRATING LOUISE AND VINCENT IN FIJI
October 5, 2010
On Sunday September 26, 2010, a number of Vincentians from the Fiji Region gathered at Nausori Parish to celebrate both the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul and to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the deaths of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac.
The day began with celebration of the Eucharist, with Fr Alan Finn CM as principal celebrant. Concelebrants included Fr Alan Gibson CM (who gave the Homily), with other Vincentian and Salesian Priests. Mr Papila Tonga CM (Deacon) assisted. The music and singing was led by the Youth of the Parish of Nausori. The Gospel Procession was formed by Vincentian Seminarians from Solomon Islands who played panpipes as they danced up the aisle. A special Jubilee Candle was part of the procession and the Book of the Gospels was carried by a Papua Gunea Vincentian Seminarian in ceremonial dress . Participating in the Offertory Procession were Sisters Kath Boland DC and Celine Quadros DC, members of the Junior Youth Conference from St. Joseph the Worker School, and a member of one of the Prayer Groups in the Parish named after St. Vincent.
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At the end of the celebration of the Eucharist, people gathered in the Hall underneath the Church for lunch. Before the meal there was the traditional ceremony around the Tanoa (large bowl from which the ceremonial drink 'kava' was served. Entertainment items were presented by the children from the different parts of the Parish, the Catholic girls attending a Methodist Girls College in the Parish, Vincentian Youth, Vincentian Seminarians, and others..
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The photos above, as well as some details, are courtesy of Sowani Raivuni (Vincentian Seminarian) and Fr Alan Gibson CM - thanks to both Confreres. Thanks also to Sister Kath Boland DC for supplying extra information.