St Columban’s, Dalgan Park in Navan is no stranger to visitors and dignitaries from different parts of the world, especially from countries where Columbans missionaries worked, writes Fr John McEvoy.
Ambassadors, dignitaries and bishops from these countries drop in on courtesy calls from time to time to acknowledge the work of the Columban in their countries.
In recent weeks we had visits from the Korean Ambassador, a delegation of three bishops from China.
On Sunday morning 26th October 2025 the President of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naigama Lalabalavu and the First Lady Madam Emily Lalabalavu and their entourage visited us.
It was an honour and a privilege for us to welcome and host the Head of State, the President of Fiji and the First Lady. It was an historic day for those of us who served as missionaries in Fiji to be honoured by such a visit and hear the president, (The Tui Cakau), his chiefly title and one of the paramount chiefs of Fiji, thank the Columbans for our missionary work in his country.
Fr Pat Colgan, Fr JJ Ryan and I were the Columbans here that served in Fiji. Helped by our ex Lay Missionary Save Momo and his cousin Victor Parr we prepared a room in Dalgan with Fijian mats, Masi and other Fijian artefacts that were available in Dalgan for the Fijian yagona ceremony of welcome which was appropriately presented to our chief guests.
In his words of thanks, President Lalabalavu expressed his nation’s deep gratitude to the Columban Fathers for their unwavering service and contribution to the spiritual and educational growth of the people of Fiji.
It was humbling and emotional to hear him praise the work of the Columbans in Fiji and the Pacific. “Fiji is truly blessed and fortunate to have the Columban missionaries serve among us – to strengthen our communities through faith and education. Your mission has benefited generations of Fijians, shaped not only our faith but also imparted the values of compassion, service, and unity. The Columbans play an important role in nurturing communities across the islands, building schools, and guiding the spiritual journey of our people,” President Lalabalavu said.
“We remain forever grateful for your sacrifices and for the strong foundation you laid for the Catholic Church in Fiji. The fruits of your mission are seen today in the growing number of Fijian priests who continue your legacy both at home and abroad.”
Fr Pat Colgan thanked the president and his delegation for their visit and for his gracious words. He reiterated the rich history of the Columban Mission in Fiji since the first group of Columbans arrived in Fiji in 1952.
He also related the reason why our Missionary Society was founded in Ireland in 1918 so that the Gospel could be preached in China and that the first group of missionaries arrived in China in 1920 and were there until they were expelled in 1952 when the Communists took over China.
When Bishop Foley of Fiji learned of this, he invited Columban missionaries to come to Fiji, because the number of French and Irish Marist priests was dwindling. On 22nd February 1952, thirteen Columban priests arrived aboard the Aorangi ship that docked at Suva Wharf. They were warmly welcomed at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, marking a historic milestone for the Catholic Church in Fiji.
During the 1970s, Columban numbers peaked in Fiji with about 36 priests, serving in as many as 14 parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Suva. However, with the establishment of the Pacific Regional Seminary in 1972, the ordination of local clergy, under the leadership of Archbishop Petero Mataca, the first Fijian (iTaukei) Archbishop of Fiji, marked the beginning of a new era of church life in Fiji with the ordination of many local priests.
At an elaborate celebratory lunch in the Dalgan in honour of the Fijian Delegation, Fr David Kenneally, our Regional Director, offered a gift of an Irish bronze handcrafted St Brigid Cross. He told the president the significance of St Brigid’s Cross in the Irish context as a protection against fires – and perhaps in Fiji against hurricanes and floods!
Finally, after lunch the entourage visited our Collage Chapel and had a group photo taken at the altar where Fr David prayed with and blessed the president and the First Lady ahead of their ongoing trip to Rome, Dubai, India and Australia.
The President said he would speak fondly of the Columbans to his Holiness, Pope Leo when he meets him in Rome on Thursday, 30th October 2025.
After four packed hours of activities with our visitors we sadly bade them farewell (moce). But we couldn’t help feeling proud of the many happy years we spent among the Fijian people learning as much from their culture, customs and values as we imparted as Columban Missionaries.
