Archbishop Loy Chong Admires, Opens Church
The head of the Catholic Church in Fiji, His Grace Archbishop Peter Loy Chong, says beauty is important to a church because God is beautiful. He made the comments during the opening of the renovated, refurbished
and extended Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Lautoka on Saturday. Archbishop Chong said one of the standout features of the church was that a good portion of it was centered towards the altar, where the Mass is celebrated. “When you are closer to the altar where the sacrifice of the Mass is and it allows full participation,” he said.
“The other is the distinct symbolisms you see now when you enter the Church which includes the new larger altar, the lectern and the chair which symbolises Jesus Christ as head of the church. “These are the key symbols that point us to Christ,” he said, adding that no other symbols in the church should supersede these.” Archbishop said the church, which could accommodate 1000, people was built in such a way that it could cater for large numbers of people.
“A good church building should be able to cater for the overflow of people.”
In his message in the special programme for the opening, Archbishop Chong said the Lautoka Catholic community made a faith commitment by renovating and extending the church due to the growing number of Catholics in Lautoka.
“In this church people will encounter God who is the ultimate concern in our lives,” Archbishop Chong said.
His blessing of the church began with the sprinkling of holy water over the congregation and the placing of the stone of veneration into the new altar.
He then anointed the altar and 12 pillars or walls inside the church. This was followed by the incensing of the alter and church followed by the lighting of the altar. The Holy Mass was co-celebrated with 10 priests before which the church was handed over to his Grace the Archbishop by the builders, architect and project manager along with legal documents and plans.
“We thank the people in Lautoka for opening their hearts to God and their commitment to God who is the ultimate concern,” Archbishop Chong said.
The church is located beside Saint Thomas Primary School at the coastal end in the heart of Lautoka City.