Three SVD missionaries who have recently arrived in the Archdiocese of Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, have begun a year-long induction program for incoming clergy from overseas, called ‘Landing the Waka’.

Fathers Akuila Taliauli SVD, Raja Kommareddy SVD and Uili Uvea SVD joined Fr Ravi Kumar Voliganti and Fr Nicholas Phone Myint MF (Myanmar) in the program which was hosted by Church Mission staff and Vicar General Mons Gerard Burns, for a three-day retreat at the Magnificat Centre in Cross Creek, South Wairarapa.

Fr Akuila was born and raised in Tonga and has previously served many years as a missionary in Argentina. Fr Raja is from India and has been working in Australia, and Fr Uili is also Tongan and has been working in the Philippines.

Fr Raja is appointed Parish Priest of Te Awakairangi Parish in Lower Hutt, with Fr Uili as Assistant Parish Priest. Formed in 2015, the parish is composed of the churches of St Michael’s, St Bernadette’s, St Martin de Porres, and Sts Peter & Paul and covers the residential areas of Central Hutt, Avalon, Naenae, Taita, Fairfield, Alicetown, Maungaraki, Normandale, Harbour View and Belmont. Te Awakairangi is the largest of the parishes in the Wellington Archdiocese with approximately 3000 parishioners.

Fr Akuila will be Assistant Parish Priest to Te Wairua Tapu (Holy Spirit) Parish where Fr Marlon Maylon (SVD) is Parish Priest. The large, multicultural parish includes Sacred Heart Petone, St Patrick’s Wainuiomata, San Antonio Eastbourne, and our Lady of the Rosary Waiwhetu.

An article in the Wel-Com Archdiocesan publication said that during the ‘Landing the Waka’ (Waka is the Maori word for ‘boat’) retreat the priests spoke about their homes and experiences and what they bring to their new postings to the Archdiocese.

“The number of languages spoken by the priests was impressive with at least two in the groups speaking more than six languages,” the article said.

The group will continue to meet monthly throughout 2024 to share pastoral experiences, learn more about life in New Zealand and to prepare for parish pastoral ministry. 

Fr Raja said the program gave the participants a good orientation of New Zealand culture and the pastoral context.

“There were interesting discussions and great sharing about our vocation stories and pastoral experiences,” he said.

“The group also had fun trekking in the bush and evening social gatherings.”

A welcome Mass for Fr Raja and Fr Uili and the installation of the parish pastoral team will take place in the parish on February 11.

PHOTOS

TOP RIGHT: Fr Uili Uvea SVD (far left) and Fathers Akuila Taliauli SVD and Raja Kommareddy SVD (centre) joined other newly arrived international priests and Archdiocesan clergy and staff for the Landing the Waka induction course retreat.

BOTTOM LEFT: Part of the program included the opportunity for walking in the bush and enjoying the surrounds of the retreat centre.