A tradition, started by Columban missionaries, and much enjoyed by all the races of Fiji, called the “Dharm Samellan” (meaning simply in Hindi, “religious gathering”) lives on among the diaspora in northern California. The basic format is a series of religious talks with discussion, along with Mass, a meal and then entertainment provided by the hosting community along with any that visiting groups have prepared. In Fiji, the “Samellan” used to be almost exclusively a Hindi speaking event, a way for Indo Fijian Catholics (a small minority in the Church and nation ) to socialize, be strengthened in their faith and even find a spouse! Now the event has become strongly intercultural, a celebration indeed of Fiji’s, and the Catholic world in general’s, richness in diversity. Such is certainly the case in the northern California group, whose hosting sector “East Bay” worked tirelessly for almost a year in their preparation to welcome friends from the San Francisco, Santa Rosa and further distant areas. I happened to be visiting L.A. at the time, and was very happy to come to celebrate the Eucharist along with Fr. Samuel Obong, a Ghanaian Spiritan priest (local chaplain to the Fijian Catholic group ) and to listen to the talk of Mr. Joseph Williams, Buddhist-convert now catechist of the nearby parish of St.Jarlath’s, Oakland.
It was truly a day of faith, food and fun. Even though such small community, the Fijian group has made a considerable impact in terms of their contributions and commitment to their U.S. parishes. The theme of the day was “Families – Our Mission of Love,” very fitting as the U.S. awaits Pope Francis’ presence at the Worldwide Meeting of Families in Philadephia, and indeed the Vatican Synod of the Family in October.
Columban Fr. Patrick Colgan lives and works in Hong Kong.