Wairiki Church

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Mon 6 Jul 2015 22:47
Wairiki Catholic Mission
 
 
 
 
IMG_1085
 
DSC_7487
 
Our driver stopped at the Wairiki Catholic Mission on the western coast. Taveuni’s largest Catholic church is a popular tourist attraction.
 
 
DSC_7488
 
The school and Rectory to the left of the church.
 
 
IMG_1151
 
The traditional drums that call the faithful and the schoolchildren.
 
 
IMG_1171  IMG_1170
 
IMG_1152
 
We walked up past Our Lady and looked back toward the Somosomo Strait.
 
 
IMG_1155  IMG_1154  IMG_1164
 
This massive and very traditional Roman style church was built of stone in 1907, it has no pews as the congregation sit on woven mats in the Fijian style. The ceiling is very intricately patterned in wood. The building overlooks the site of the battle with the Tongans, which – aided by the advice of a French Missionary priest – was won victoriously by the warriors of Taveuni and saved Fiji from their invading neighbours who had been winning battles on other islands. The priest was rewarded by the people by the building of this church.
The plaque under the crucifix reads:- The crucifix was given to Ratu Goleanavanua, Tui Cakau and Paramount Chief of Cakaudrove Bua, Macuata and the Yatu Lau by the Rev Laurent Favre [Father Lorosio] in 1862. This crucifix inspired the Tui Cakau to defeat the Tongans under Ma’Afu led by his warrior Wainiqolo.
The crucifix was given to the Tui Tunuloa for safekeeping by Ratu Golea, and in 2005 after 143 years the Tui Tunuloa, Ratu Igenasio Loaloa returned the crucifix to the Tui Cakau, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, in Wairiki, on Friday, 14th September, Holy Cross Day. The Tui Cakau then traditionally handed it over to His Grace Archbishop Petero Mataca D.D. for safe-keeping. His Grace ordered that it be kept in the church of the Holy Cross Wairiki for veneration by the people of Cakaudrove.
 
 
DSC_7576  DSC_7579  DSC_7582
 
Handsome stained glass windows and a lovely Pieta.
 
 
IMG_1163  IMG_1157
 
Looking to the Lady Altar and St Joseph.
 
 
IMG_1156  IMG_1153
 
Stations of the Cross.
 
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL MAJESTIC
                     VERY LOVELY CHURCH IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING