WelCom August 2021
Anne Phibbs csb
June is the usual time for ordinations for the Missionaries of Faith, a Congregation founded in 1982, who ‘live by faith’. On 22 June this year, in Holy Family Church, Porirua East, Missionaries of Faith priests gathered for the 5pm Mass to celebrate the ordination anniversaries of seven priests. They were supported by the beautiful Samoan choir and parishioners.
Celebrating their anniversaries were:
- Fr Andrew Atonio 30 years
- Fr Iosefu Timo 30 years
- Fr Talipope Vaifale 29 years
- Fr Tuly Paul 10 years
- Fr Isaac Babu nine years
- Fr Joseph Thirumala eight years
- Fr Vijay Kumar seven years
Joining them were Fr Consedine Toleafoa mf, Auckland, and Fr Peter Timoteo mf, Porirua, who were ordained in October last year, as well as Fr Maleko Api-Tufuga, Upper Hutt, and Fr Rico de la Torre, Tawa.
During Mass, the priests’ parents were remembered with love and gratitude. The congregation prayed for the Missionaries of Faith and for all priests to find their sustenance and support in the Eucharist and to maintain fervour throughout their lives.
In his homily Fr Iosefu asked, in both Samoan and English, why the priests were drawn to Porirua. ‘As missionaries they are unsure where they will be from one time to another, and they go where they are needed. And as Missionaries of Faith they recognise the faith and faithfulness of the Holy Family parishioners.’
The Holy Family Samoan Community hosted an abundant feast for the local clergy, the visitors from Auckland and parishioners, followed by Samoan, Tokelauan and Indian music and dancing.