Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Suva (Agenzia Fides) – Communion, sharing, cooperation, in spite of the isolation, thanks to the new forms of media and technology...this is the depiction of the Church in the Pacific Islands made by Fr. Roger McCarrick, SM in an interview with Agenzia Fides. Fr. McCarrick is the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Bishops' Conference (CEPAC) and Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies for the Pacific Islands.
In his interview, he mentions the efficiency of the new modern means of communication, in accord with what the Holy Father Benedict XVI mentioned in his Message for the 43rd World Communications Day.
What is the main challenge for the Church in the Pacific area?
The main challenge for the Church in CEPAC is certainly isolation of the various local Churches (thousands of sea miles) and trying to establish communion and cooperation among the carious communities and territories. Our Bishops' Conference extends from Pitcairn in the extreme East of Tahiti right across the equator and across the international dateline to the Northern Marianas off the Philippines. It extends from Christmas Island, situated South of Hawaii, to New Caledonia. It is a vast area. Travel from one island to another by plane is expensive and complicated. Ordinary mail is still slow and unreliable. Today, the new technologies like the Internet and e-mail are of great help in overcoming the geographic boundaries and in order to communicate and become an authentic “communion of communities.”
Could you give us an overall picture of the Catholic community in the Pacific?
Dioceses and bishops: We have 14 dioceses, namely: Agana (Guam), Caroline Islands, Chalan Kanoa (Northern Marianas), Noumea (New Caledonia), Papeete (Tahiti), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Rarotonga (Cook Islands), Apia (Western Samoa), Pago Pago (American Samoa), Suva (Fiji Islands), Taiohae (Tahiti), Tarawa (Kiribati), Tonga, and Wallis and Futuna. There is one Vicariate Apostolic, that is Marshall Islands, and 2 Missio sui Juris, namely Tokelau and Funafuti (Tuvalu). We have Ordinaries in 13 dioceses and three retired bishops. The bishop of Port Vila died last year and has not been replaced but the archbishop of Noumea has been appointed as Apostolic Administrator.
Catholic Population. As of last statistics (over ten years ago) there were 725,420 Catholics, but that is surely over 800,000 now. This is about one fifth to one quarter of the population of all these countries, although in some cases the large majority is Catholic.
By last count we had 473 Priests (about 190 of them belong to religious orders), 170 Permanent deacons, 789 Sisters, 173 Brothers, and 153 Major Seminarians.
What are the pastoral priorities for the Church in Oceania?
The bishops of CEPAC see ongoing evangelization and education of priests and people as their priorities. Down through the years they have maintained schools, primary and secondary, for the education of people. Over the past fifty years tertiary institutions have been established. These were seminaries, teacher training colleges and catechist training colleges. These have functioned well so that now we have the majority of our priests, Sisters, teachers and catechists who have been formed here in these islands. Some have now finished their training and are principals or rectors of these institutions. They are now attempting to face the challenges of the 21st century which are beginning to hit the cultures of the Pacific.
Are there many vocations to the priesthood and religious life?
Since missionaries arrived here, so far vocations to the priesthood and religious life are being given in abundance. For the most part the Catholic faith is truly inculturated and today, we are collecting the spiritual fruits. Much remains to be done in facing up to the problems arising from the lack of faith and materialism of the western world which have infected these cultures as well as cleansing the non-Christian practices which still remain from pagan times. But, we are hopeful and we feel that God is blessing the Pacific.
How is the work of evangelization going? Is there an active laity?
Lay Catholics have always had an important role in the Church. In some islands and even groups of islands there are no priests. Sisters, Brothers or catechists give instruction, lead paraliturgies, provide counseling, and, in recent times lead, organize Bible courses and prayer groups. Yet, by God's grace, the faith continues to grow.
What has World Youth Day 2008 brought to the local Churches in the Pacific?
WYD has been an historic moment and a wonderful experience. Young people from ALL the territories went to Sydney and they were delighted. Some them left their little island for the first time in their life. They returned transformed by the experience. Young people now are infecting the adults with their enthusiasm.
Just going to Sydney was the fulfillment of a dream for many of the youths and the experience of meeting other Catholic youths from all parts of the world was enriching and just wonderful. They are still talking about it. WYD gave a boost to the Youth Ministry (which just began a few years ago) and it is now progressing with zeal and joy.
What is the specific role of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the Pacific?
To help animate children, youths and adults so that they can fully participate in the life of the Church and then take their place as evangelizers here in the Pacific and in any other country where the Lord calls them. Our dioceses depend on the help and support given by the PMS. Without that help life would be much more difficult here. But our people also contribute very generously indeed to the support of the whole Church. We are not just a receiving Church but also a praying and contributing Church. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/1/2009)
