Catholics from across Fiji and overseas will gather in Lakeba next week to honour 182 years since the arrival of the first Catholic missionaries and celebrate a faith that has been passed down through generations.
The celebrations on 15th August will also mark the anniversary of the first Catholic Mass celebrated on Fijian soil at Namuka-i-Lau in 1844.
Diocesan seminarian Brother Fred Kado says Archbishop Peter Loy Chong will bless and unveil a commemorative plaque and memorial stones to honour the arrival of the first missionaries to Lakeba.
Kado says the anniversary is an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on their history while strengthening their faith for future generations.
As part of the lead-up to the celebrations, the Archbishop's Lau Renewal Team has been visiting villages across Lakeba, sharing the history of the Catholic Church in Lau, encouraging community participation and inspiring young people to learn more about their faith.
Kado is inviting Catholics in Fiji and abroad to take part in the celebrations, saying the gathering is a chance to honour the legacy of those who first brought the Catholic faith to Fiji while celebrating the vibrant Church it has become today.