On Wednesday, 28 September, Brother Patrick Tukidia, a native of Fiji, was ordained a priest at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He was ordained by the Bishop of Fall River, Bishop Edgard Moreira da Cunha. Also present were the Provincial, Lane Akiona, the Superior General, Alberto Toutin, SSCC brothers and sisters from Fairhaven, Texas and parishioners from the parishes of Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Mary's and St. Joseph. Relatives of Patrick from Fiji who live in the United States, including his brother Saint who is a Marist priest and permanent deacons and priests of the diocese were also present.
In his homily, the bishop reminded Patrick that the ministry he is receiving is a gift, that it is not for himself, but to serve the People of God, in the way of Jesus.
The celebration was enlivened by songs in English and Portuguese - due to the large presence of Cape Verdeans - and in the Fijian language. Later in the celebration, Patrick received for the first time as a priest, the traditional Fijian drink, Kava.
On Thursday, 29th September, Patrick celebrated his first mass at the parish of the Assumption of Mary.
Link to photo gallery: https://bit.ly/3Sunahe
09/29/2022