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The Church of Saint Francis Xavier This spectacular structure on the north-western side of the main island of Viti Levu, atop a hill overlooking the Kings Road. This stone church reflects a distinct European design that has deteriorated due to weathering.The Church of Saint Francis Xavier at Navuibutu was officially dedicated in 1917 after the decision to shift from the original mission site in 1895. |
This followed the arrival of the Marist missionaries to the area in 1889, and the establishment of a Catholic presence in the Ra province in 1870. The church has a conventional European exterior but the use of mats instead of pews for parishioners reflects a Fijian village flavour.
The most unique and impressive feature of the Navuibutu church are the murals, a series of frescos originally commissioned by one time chaplain to Austria's famous Von Trapp family, Monsignor Fanz Wasner. The murals have been done in true fresco style by painting on top of wet plaster. They have been created by Frenchman Jean Chalot, assisted by his wife Zohman and son Martin, between October 1962 and January 1963.
The wall behind the main alter has been formed into three panels of equal size. The central panel portrays a dark skinned crucified Christ clothed in a loin cloth of local bark, masi. On each side of the triptych are the two major races in Fiji, Fijian and Indian, converging on the central figure of Christ. Each race has its traditional gifts and symbols. On the Fijian side are pictured a kava bowl and tabua or sacred whales tooth. Also depicted is the patron saint of the South Pacific, Saint Peter Channel, holding a war club- the instrument of his own death. The Fijian priest pictured is now the Arch Bishop of the Diocese, the Most Reverend Petero Mataca.
The left panel depicts a sari-clad lady offering a garland of flowers. Behind her is an Indian farmer with yoked oxen ploughing a field of sugar cane. An Indian alter boy, the patron saint of India and Navuibutu Church, Saint Francis Xavier are also represented on the mural.
The Church of Saint Francis Xavier is a living church serving the needs of around 2000 Catholics from the surrounding province.
Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple - Nadi
The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere is located at Nadi. It is a classic specimen of the well-known Fijian cultural and architectural diversity.
The three-part Sri Siva-Subramaniya temple is dedicated to the deity Murugan. The statue is housed in the main temple and has been especially carved in India. The second part of the structure is dedicated to deity Ganesh, while the third section is the Meenakshi and Shiva Temple.
The intricate craftsmanship of the individual statues within the temple is the work of eight craftsmen brought to Fiji from India. The height, weight, and width of each design have a specific religious meaning and the main chamber of the building has been built to conform to the size of the statue it will house so that the correct vibrations are present for devotees during prayer.
The traditional Dravidian architecture of the temple here is rarely seen outside India and was laid down thousands of years ago, according to traditions. This unique structure is a Holy Hindu Shrine and appropriate respect is expected.
