GLT Accompaniment: Pacific Islands

Fiji: Remaining in His Love and Renewing Our MSC Identity. In early May, I had the joy of visiting Fiji and accompanying the annual retreat of the Southern District of the MSC Pacific Islands Province (PPI). The participants included confreres in temporary and perpetual vows, as well as those in the various stages of initial formation, making this a genuine gathering of the MSC family.

The retreat focused on Jesus’ invitation to remain in his love and allow ourselves to be sent on mission. Through personal prayer, Communal Wisdom, and shared reflection, we explored more deeply our identity as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart: men loved by God, blessed in order to be a blessing, and called to make visible the compassionate love of Christ’s Heart wherever we are sent. In a time marked by change and challenge, it was an opportunity to return to the roots of our vocation and renew our missionary zeal.

In addition to the retreat, I had the opportunity to visit several parish communities, spend time at Chevalier Hostel, and meet many of the faithful who actively participate in MSC ministries. In each encounter, I experienced the vitality of the local Church and the deep appreciation for the presence of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart.

I was particularly touched by the fraternity, joy, and commitment of our confreres and the communities they serve. Fiji reminds us that mission is born from a heart that knows itself to be loved by God and, precisely because of that, is willing to place itself at the service of others. It was a grace-filled experience of hope, renewal, and encouragement for all who took part.

Marshall Islands: Listening to the Ocean, Listening to the People. My visit to the Marshall Islands allowed me to experience a unique dimension of the MSC presence in Oceania. Situated in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, these islands are a place where faith, culture, and daily life remain deeply interconnected. During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet with MSC confreres, encourage parish communities, and facilitate a workshop aimed at strengthening reflection on our identity and mission in today’s context. The conversations were marked by openness, sincerity, and a shared desire to continue proclaiming the Gospel in a reality facing increasingly complex social, economic, and environmental challenges.

It was also a privilege to spend time with young people, students, and pastoral workers. In every encounter, I experienced a vibrant Church that remains close to its people and committed to the future of younger generations. The MSC continue to play an important role in local communities through pastoral care, education, and the promotion of hope.

The Marshall Islands remind us that mission is, above all, about presence. Amid the immensity of the ocean, the humble and faithful presence of missionaries remains a tangible sign of God’s love. I left deeply grateful for the witness of our confreres and for the warm welcome extended to me by the Marshallese people.

Nauru: The Strength of Mission in a Small Nation. The final stage of my visit to Oceania brought me to Nauru, one of the smallest nations in the world and, at the same time, one of the most distinctive MSC missionary presences.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to meet with the MSC community, celebrate the Eucharist with the faithful, visit Sacred Heart School, and engage in dialogue with representatives of the nation’s civil authorities. Through these encounters, I came to appreciate the deep respect and affection that exist for the long-standing presence of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in the life of the country.

Nauru faces significant challenges arising from its geographical isolation and the social and economic changes of recent decades. Yet I also encountered a community marked by dignity, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. The Church continues to be an important point of reference for many families, particularly through education, parish life, and pastoral accompaniment.

What impressed me most was seeing how the Gospel continues to bear fruit even in the smallest and most remote places. Mission does not depend on the size of a nation or the resources available. It depends on hearts willing to love, serve, and walk alongside others. My experience in Nauru was a powerful reminder that the Heart of Christ continues to beat in every corner of the world, including this small island nation in the Pacific.

Abzalon Alvarado, MSC. Central America & Mexico Province