On 13 May, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, Saia Fainga'a sscc was ordained deacon by Peter Loy Chong, Archbishop of Suva, together with three brothers of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart (MSC). The Provincial Superior of the USA, Lane Akiona, placed the dalmatic on the new deacon. Rich Danyluk (USA Western Region Superior) attended the celebration along with Jeremiah Holland, who will be leading the community's annual retreat.
In his homily, the archbishop highlighted the role of a deacon. "Diakonia" means that the role of a deacon is to serve the people of God. Choosing the gospel of Holy Thursday - the washing of feet - the Archbishop described how Jesus gave an example of service in which he came down from on high to serve the people. He also spoke about the functions of the deacon which have to do with serving the word, serving at the altar and serving the common good (reaching out and speaking on behalf of the vulnerable).
The ordination took place in the Sacred Heart Cathedral, in central Suva. The church was packed with family and friends who attended to support the four new deacons. Following the mass, a reception was held at the Seminary and there was time for God's faithful people to gather together and congratulate the newly ordained deacons.
Link to photo gallery: https://bit.ly/45czGsq
05/15/2023