If someone had asked Rever­end Father Isikeli Tuilevuka how he saw himself in future, he’d tell you something geared towards serving others and volun­teering.

He was studying at the Universi­ty of the South Pacific at the time.

But yesterday, he found his call­ing when he stood before a congre­gation and Head of the Catholic Church of Fiji Archbishop Peter Loy Chong at the Sacred Heart Ca­thedral, as an ordained priest.

“This was God’s calling to us, to serve Him by serving His people,” he said.

“I am fully aware of the crosses that I have to carry in this ser­vice,” Reverend Father Tuilevuka said.

“This is really our service to the people and to God,” he said.

He was one of three priests or­dained in front of family, friends and the church.

Newly-ordained Reverend Father Isikeli Tuilevuka (third from left), with the Catholic Women’s League at St Joseph’s Secondary School hall on September 14, 2019. Photo: Ilaijia Ravuwai

Also ordained were Reverend Fa­ther Viliame Baleikoro and Rev­erend Father Petero Apenisa by Archbishop Loy Chong.

Archbishop Loy Chong reiterated the teachings of Pope John Paul II that priests must continue follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

“Their (priests) mission was to establish God’s Kingdom here on earth,” Archbishop Loy Chong said.

“We work for the Kingdom of God, and that is our primary mis­sion to extend or establish His Kingdom here on earth.

“We must remind ourselves that we (priests) consecrate ourselves for His work.

“This is the love of being a priest.”

The three priests had sworn an oath to the “Vow of Obedience’ and ‘Celibacy’.

Reverend Father Apenisa and Reverend Father Tuilevuka are from the Immaculate Conception Parish in Solevu, Bua, while Rev­erend Father Baleikoro is from the Holy Cross Parish, Wariki in Taveuni.

Reverend Father Tuilevuka will be leading the Sunday church service at the Sacred Heart Cathe­dral today while the other two will serve in Namosi.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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