Apisalome “Pisa” Setefano Veitoyaki, John Vitolio, Kasimero “Kasi” Bule, Brother Tavite Uluilakeba, Jeremiah Nestor “Nez” Marcelo and Talilotu “Lotu” Ulupano, from left, celebrated their profession of vows. (Courtesy photo)
By Father William Gural, SS.CC.
Special to the Herald
On Jan. 11 at the St. Peter Chanel Seminary Chapel in Suva, Fiji, Sacred Hearts Brother Tavite Uluilakeba professed his perpetual vows to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary to Father Lane Akiona, provincial superior and pastor of St. Augustine by the Sea Church in Waikiki.
Making their temporary vows on the same day were Jeremiah Nestor “Nez” Marcelo, Talilotu “Lotu” Ulupano, Kasimero “Kasi” Bule, John Vitolio and Apisalome “Pisa” Setefano Veitoyaki.
Among those present were members of Brother Uluilakeba’s family; Sisters of Our Lady of Nazareth; Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary; Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of the Archdiocese of Suva and priests from the archdiocese; Sacred Hearts Fathers Johnathan Hurrell and Marisi Palepale, formators; and Sacred Hearts Fathers Maiki Kamauoha, Saia Fainga’a and Lomano Tonga Fifita.
The congregation sang enthusiastically and robustly, pouring out love and support.
The readings focused on love and living out the Gospel.
From St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians: “(Yet) I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me.” The Gospel acclamation from St. Luke said: “Love one another as I have loved you,” and also gave this command: “Love your God alone, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Father Akiona said in his homily that the men making their vows would continue the rich legacy entrusted to the Sacred Hearts order of being missionaries to the people of the Pacific.
Brother Uluilakeba said he would dedicate himself to God and his kingdom. Father Akiona also instructed the men taking temporary vows to heed the words from the rule of St. Benedict: “Prefer nothing but the love of Christ,” “generously lay down your lives” and “contemplate, live and proclaim God’s love.”
Thanks be to God for the faith and generosity of these men, our brothers. May God bless them one-hundredfold for their self-offering to Christ and his kingdom.