During his official visit to the Holy See on October 28, 2025, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, President of Fiji, and First Lady Emily Lalabalavu received a cordial welcome at the Marist Fathers General House in Rome. The visit featured a special Mass and Veiqaravi Vakavanua organized by the Marist Family to honor the President and strengthen the connection within the Marist community.
The event saw participation from Marist Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Novitiates, and lay members from across the Pacific, alongside Italian clergy and representatives from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This gathering underscored the enduring ties within the Marist network that transcends geographical boundaries.
Fr. Setefano Mataele, SM, the General Superior of the Marist Fathers, welcomed President Lalabalavu on behalf of the Superior General of the Marist Society, Very Reverend Fr. Declan Marmion, SM. The Mass, led by Fr. Mika Tuilau, SM, featured a homily by Fr. John of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Furthermore, the President received blessings from representatives of four prominent congregations from the Pacific—covering Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Bougainville.
In his speech, President Lalabalavu expressed his profound gratitude to the Marist Family for its substantial impact on education and moral development in Fiji. He highlighted the Marist mission as essential for national progress, embodying values such as discipline, compassion, and service. The President emphasized the importance of faith-based leadership in addressing pressing challenges, including drug abuse, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to striving for a drug-free Pacific region.
This significant visit aligned with the centennial celebration of the Marist General House, which has been a vital center for the Marist Fathers since the 1920s, enduring the trials of World War II, and undergoing restoration in the 1950s. President Lalabalavu’s presence marks a historic milestone, making him the first sitting Head of State to visit this revered institution.
The day culminated in a traditional welcome ceremony, Talanoa, followed by a dinner that fostered unity between the President, the First Lady, and the Marist community along with Pacific clergy, highlighting the importance of fellowship and cultural ties.
This visit illustrates President Lalabalavu’s commitment to building relationships across the Pacific and reinforces his advocacy for a collaborative leadership approach that aims to create positive change and address regional challenges effectively. Through this engagement, he seeks to further enhance community involvement and collective efforts towards a brighter future for Fiji and its neighbors.