On 22 August 2015, seven brothers, Semisi Pulotu, Soane Ulutaufonua, Daniel Estrada, Esitio Niuliki, Jeremy Sabugo, Maiki Kamau’oha, and John Sawchenko arrived in Nadi airport of Fiji with the statue of Our Lady of Peace. This is the island where they will continue with their formation years. Accompanying them on the journey were Fr. Marisi Palepale and Fr. Johnathan Hurrell. On the 23 August they were welcomed by Bishop Amando Samo (Diocese of Chuk) with a Eucharistic celebration in the Pacific Regional Seminary (PRS).
In 1836 the Marist brothers on their way to Oceania were housed, hosted and assisted by the SSCC brothers in Chile. It was said that they hoped one day they could return the kindness, support and hospitality shown them. Almost 200 years later, they are returning the favor and assisting us in our move with the new foundation in Fiji. Made up of 7 brothers in formation and 2 priests, (Dedi Riberu and Brian Guerrini), the SSCC community is renting one of the Marist houses on the Pacific Regional Seminary Campus in Suva.
The brothers have been busy setting up their home on the PRS Campus. There was one week of gentle orientation as the brothers embrace new cultures in a very simple seminary setting. The Marist Formation community and the Pacific Regional Seminary community as a whole has been very gracious and accommodating. Our brothers have meals and mass with the Marist community while doing their own morning and evening prayers. They also have their own program of SSCC spirituality. The welcoming spirit of the whole PRS community has been remarkable and made our brothers feel ‘at home’.
The S.T.B. (Bachelor of Sacred Theology) granted from the Pontificial Universitas Urbaniana is a 7-year program. Our brothers have been placed according to their previous philosophy and theological courses completed at Jesuit School of Theology (JST), and Holy Names College. PRS is a very real missionary seminary with a simple yet strong spirited focus in preparing religious and diocesan candidates for ordained ministry. They also offer programs (diplomas) for religious members not seeking ordination.
We thank God for this beginning of the new Formation Foundation and pray that it continue favorably. We support the efforts of our brothers with prayers.
08/23/2015