"Catholics welcome three new priests"

From FIJI Times online
By Samuela Loanakadavu

Photo: Archbishop Petero Mataca blesses the hands of Donato Kivi during the ordination yesterday. Behind Fr Kivi are, partially obscured, Father Mikaele Marisi and Father Iosefo Brandon. Picture: ATU RASEA

The sacrament of Holy Orders was held for three new priests at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Suva yesterday.

Farther Iosefo Brandon from Namosi, Father Mikaele Marisi from Taveuni, and and Father Donato Kivi from Tokou, Ovalau, were yesterday ordained by His Grace Archbishop Petero Mataca into the priesthood.

Father Kivi told The Fiji Times after the ordination that he was happy with his achievement and was now ready for the work that he had been called upon, and dedicated his life to do.

"I have been studying for eight years and it's a big relief to have finally completed the program. It's a blessing to join the family of priesthood because all the good things in life are always difficult to achieve," he said.

Father Brandon, who had been doing his pastoral work in New Zealand last year, said that having achieved of being a Catholic priest was a dream that he had cherished and nurtured for a very long time.

"I am happy that I have come this far and I am now ready to serve the people," he said.

More than 300 people, from all over Fiji, among them family and friends, attended the mass at the Sacred Cathedral in Suva yesterday.

The feast for the new priests was later held at the Laucala Bay Parish hall.