Archbishop confident of challenges ahead

Nanise Loanakadavu
Monday, June 10, 2013

TEARS flowed when the newly-ordained Archbishop of Suva was enthroned during his installation mass at the Sacred Heart Cathedral yesterday.

During the divine ceremony, Archbishop emeritus Petero Mataca took the hand of Archbishop Chong and led him to the stone seating which signifies that Archbishop Chong is now the official shepherd of the Archdiocese of Suva.

Father Chong described that moment to be "very emotional" for him.

"For me it's about rising to the challenge, I confidently walk knowing I am not alone," Archbishop Chong said.

"This is God's work and I am a servant to that work and with the Grace of God and the support of the people I can rise to the challenge.

"One thing the Catholic Church is blessed with is that the leaders do not walk into an empty space."

He said he would continue the work that began over 2000 years ago.

He said over the years the church had accumulated a lot of experience and with the church regulations, leaders would be protected from abuse or going off-track with their leadership.

"The church has structures, regulations to help me in my leadership.

"What I bring in to the church is nothing new but something that has been part of history."

He said in the past the church had met new circumstances, new people, new cultures, but the mission and vision of the church would act as guidelines through his leadership.