The Republic of Fiji’s President, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, and First Lady Emily Lalabalavu, received a warm welcome at the Marist Fathers General House in Rome during their official visit to the Holy See on October 28, 2025. This visit included a special Mass and Veiqaravi Vakavanua organized by the Marist Family to honor the President.
Attendees consisted of Marist Fathers, Brothers, Sisters, Novitiates, and lay members from the Pacific, as well as Italian clergy and others associated with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The gathering emphasized the strong communal ties within the Marist network.
Fr. Setefano Mataele, SM, the General Superior of the Marist Fathers, greeted President Lalabalavu on behalf of Very Reverend Fr. Declan Marmion, SM, the Superior General of the Marist Society. The Mass was led by Fr. Mika Tuilau, SM, with a homily provided by Fr. John of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Notably, President Lalabalavu received blessings from representatives of four key congregations from the Pacific region, encompassing Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Bougainville.
In his address, President Lalabalavu expressed heartfelt thanks to the Marist Family for its enduring influence on Fiji’s education and moral grounding. He emphasized the Marist mission as vital for national development and a reflection of the values of discipline, compassion, and service. Furthermore, he highlighted the need for faith-based leadership in combatting modern societal issues such as drug abuse, reaffirming Fiji’s commitment to fostering a drug-free Pacific.
This visit coincides with the centennial anniversary of the Marist General House, a location rich in historical significance having been in the hands of the Marist Fathers since the 1920s, impacted by World War II, and restored in the 1950s. The President’s visit marks a historic moment, as he is the first sitting Head of State to visit the Marist Fathers General House.
The occasion concluded with a traditional welcome ceremony, Talanoa, and a dinner, uniting the President and First Lady with the Marist community and Pacific clergy, further celebrating fellowship and cultural connections.
This visit showcases President Lalabalavu’s dedication to nurturing relationships across the Pacific and his commitment to advocating for a harmonious and informed leadership approach, which promises to have a lasting impact on community engagement and collective efforts toward national and regional challenges.