The region’s Pacific Islander community will come together this weekend to attend one of four church services in their respective language. Pictured are (from left) PICSA president Tukini Tavui, Renmark Paringa Council community development officer Emma Warner, Antonia Felicidade da Silva, of Timor-Leste, Albert Chan, of Tonga, Tewaiava Tuabo Aotwo, of Kiribati, Paringa’s PLL Contractors’ Leanne Le, Joslyn David, of Vanuatu, and the Costa Group’s Kelvin Burgemeister. PHOTO: Peta-Marie Philippou
FOUR local churches will hold services in four different languages this weekend to connect the region’s Pacific Islander community with their faith.
Renmark’s Lutheran, Catholic, and Uniting churches, plus Paringa’s Victorious church, will hold Christian services simultaneously at 6pm this Sunday to accommodate people from Vanuatu, Timor-Leste, Kiribati and Tonga.
The ministers performing each service will travel from Adelaide and work alongside local priests.
Pacific Island Council SA (PICSA) president Tukini Tavui, who moved to Australia from Fiji 33 years ago, said it was important Islanders remained close to their faith.
“Religion is very important to us and I know the Islanders here have missed church services,” he said.
“Faith is a strong part of our identity and without being connected to it could cause an imbalance and take a toll on an individual’s mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.
“It could also cause social issues and impact productivity and work life.”
Mr Tavui said he hopes the services become the first of many in the Riverland.
“We’re hoping that if all goes well this weekend we can look at holding services monthly,” he said.
“Unfortunately, due to Covid our Samoan brothers are in quarantine and miss out this time round, so hopefully in the future we can host a service in Samoan.
“Eventually we’d like to establish a PICSA branch here so the Islanders can remain connected to their culture and local community.”
Mr Tavui said the Riverland was the “perfect place” for the Islanders to reside.
“The Riverland is very much like home to them as they’ve come from small islands that are very similar,” he said.
“They’re used to small towns, knowing everybody else and saying hello.
“We’re family people, social, and love a good chat, so I’ve encouraged them all to get involved in the community and do things like play soccer, go to the gym, and now go to church.
“If you see us walking around, say hello as we’d love to chat.
“Everyone and anyone are welcome to come to our services this weekend.
“We are honoured to be here and have the opportunity to be part of the Riverland community.”
