Fr. Paulo Lui Voreqe, ss.cc.

Background:
I grew up in Taveuni the 3rd Biggest Island in Fiji. I was born into a Seventh Day Adventist Family and was adopted by my Dad’s Older Brother. Dont get me wrong Adoption in my country (FIJI) is with consent between siblings if one wants to adopt a child from either. My Dads older Brother is a Catholic Thus my Catholicism.I attended Catholic Schools on the Island namely Holy Cross Primary and Holy Cross College which was the then Wairiki Primary and Secondary School.

Over the years I get to spend Holidays with my Biological Family and during these times being a child I have to be obedient and attend both Churches being a Seventh Day Adventist During the Holidays and a Catholic During School Days. It was interesting and the more differences of faith upbringing I grew up into, made me curious about the Catholic faith.In 1996 I returned to my Biological family but the atmosphere was different. I was not treated different but I felt different because I am not in the familiarity of home. Home for me was different. Laid back in the islands get to feel the sand on sandy beaches and hearing the birds in the wild and now being in the city makes me feel home sick. These somehow affected my schoolwork and I returned to the island and did Distance Education Learning from the local University.

I worked as a Sales Assistant for 3 years in one of the Worldwide Chain Stores of COURTS in Fiji. After being a Sales Person I then worked as a Hotel Staff in Suva for 10 years until I entered the Seminary Program.

I joined a Religious Institue for 2 years at the Seminary but was asked to exit the programme. In 2016 My Journey to the Sacred Hearts began as a Pre Novice in Tonga. I was ordained to the Order of Presbyterate on the same date and Month I was Baptised in 17th June.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest?
Being a Boy in the village I was First intrigued and mesmerised by the vestments that they ( priests and brothers) wear. They are like angels and then see these angels walk for miles and visit every house regardless of race or creed. They walked, visited and spent time every Sunday afternoon and moved on…I wanna be like that.

Why did you choose the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts?
The Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary found me in my distress times. I was asked to leave an Institution I was in, prior to my joining the sscc. In those times when I felt the world crumbling at my feet and at the exact same time a new Congregation was coming to Fiji including 7 students coming in as missionaries to be at the Pacific Regional Seminary. One of these student missionaries (John Sawchenko) invited me to COME AND SEE and try it out. Fr Stan Kolasa (RIP) gave me a second chance and lifted my chin to say “ There is always Hope”

Favorite hobbies and/or fun fact about yourself:
I love writing Poems, Just sitting and sharing jokes with laughter, watching sports that are entertaining.

Favorite Bible passage: Psalm 139 :14 "…..I am fearfully and wonderfully made…."

Your favorite saint:
Saint Joseph.