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It has been estimated that more than 30,000 people came to Suva in the course of last week to pay their respects to the late Archbishop Petero Mataca.
A large number of people attended the requiem mass on Friday.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva was packed out and the congregation spilled out onto the surrounding streets which had been closed off to traffic.
Archbishops and bishops from around the region were among the guests who were part of the service.
Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Ret) Voreqe Bainimarama, members of the diplomatic corps, cabinet ministers, the Roko Tui Dreketi Ro Teimumu Kepa, the President of Fiji Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and First Lady Adi Koila Nailatikau, close friends of the fallen leader, were among those who received Holy Communion.
In his homily Archbishop Peter Loy Chong said that during his last moments, Mataca shared some of his concerns for the church.
He assured Chong that he always prayed for him and the church.
“Archbishop Mataca had the church embedded in his heart and soul. This was reflected in how he envisioned his funeral,” Chong said.
“He had initially requested to be buried in the bishop’s tomb at Cawaci, Ovalau, and then thought of being buried with diocesan priests in Vatuwaqa cemetery and finally he decided to be buried next to Father John Clerkin at the Suva Old Cemetery as he was his mentor and he had groomed him.
“Archbishop Mataca’s plans for his funeral reflect his desire to be close to his brother priests and the church. Despite all his funeral wishes, he said “Au tu ga e na vakarorogo (I will listen)”.”
Pope Francis sent a condolence message to Archbishop Peter Loy Chong and the whole archdiocese of Suva.
The message, sent through the Nuncio’s office in Wellington, stated that the Holy Father was saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Mataca and he wished Archbishop Chong well as the church gathered to celebrate his life and his commitment and service to the church.
At the end of the funeral rites, the slight drizzle stopped and the sun broke through the clouds, a reflection of assurance and hope for the church as it moves forward without the man who led it for about four decades.
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News category: Asia Pacific.
