Chong says that the Pope's resignation is unlikely to have any affect on the ordination plans "Although we still have not received any response from the Vatican, this [The Pope's resignation] will not affect my ordination. In fact, the decision has already been made and it requires three bishops to perform the consecration."

Archbishop Petero Mataca conducted his last official duties as head of the Roman Catholic in Fiji and Rotuma on 18 January. As part of his final mass, he ordained four priests at the Sacred Heart Cathedral.

He said he walked out happy, having done his part and the church would continue. Members of 35 parishes gathered to witness the ceremony.

"Now with my last ordination as Archbishop of Suva, I finish my time as leader and when the Archbishop-elect is ordained, my title will be the former Archbishop of Suva," he said.

He added,"I ask then that the whole Catholic Community support the new Archbishop as they have done with me. Work with him through good and challenging times. Continue to work and support in prayers and actions."

Source

• The Fiji Times
• Fiji Sun
• Image: Tawakilagi.org

About 300 people from the Asian community in the country attended the mass to commemorate the festival.

Sister Genevieve Loo said the mass was a celebration of the close relationship that the Asian community had with Fiji. She said the Archbishop Elect brought out an important message during the service about the spring festival and about new beginnings for all.

Source

• The Fiji Times
• Image: Telegraph.co.uk