Healing Through Listening: Our Contribution Along the Path to Truth and Reconciliation

We live in a time when past political upheavals, structural conflicts, and social challenges continue to cast a heavy shadow over families and communities across our islands. The enduring emotional and psychological wounds of these historical events manifest in deep-seated trauma, requiring a profound spiritual and communal response to restore societal wellbeing.

As Fiji prepares for the vital work of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, our diverse communities face the urgent task of confronting these painful memories. Without intentional spaces for deep listening and spiritual discernment, the lingering echoes of past divisions threaten to keep hearts closed and communities fractured in their journey toward true peace.

As Fiji prepares for the establishment and work of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Fijis diverse faith communities got together for 3 days of deep sharing spiritual conversations, listening and discussion to discern a shared vision of Truth Telling, Trauma Healing and Reconciliation. The Faith Leaders Dialogue was comprised of leaders and representatives of Fijis faith communities. The dialogue was a closed gathering with NO media or government representatives, which allowed the free expression of ideas, reflections, opinions, concerns, fears and hope. There were 12 sessions of spiritual conversations facilitated by the Catholic Archbishop Peter Loy Chong. A solemn spiritual experience in deep listening to the holy spirit in discerning pathways. It is a combination of quality attention welcoming and being hospitable to others as they are.

Caritas Fiji Advocacy participated and contributed to the Church Leaders response towards Truth and Reconciliation. Also, assisted Father Ioane Sigarara (Trauma Specialist) developed 2 weeks Trauma Healing, Peacebuilding training package which competently equipped 35 Peacebuilders. These peacebuilders will be utilized by Fiji Truth and Reconciliation Commission to conduct community engagement/consultations and to gather voluntary truth story telling submissions from the public.

Caritas Fiji conducted trauma healing and peacebuilding sessions in the northern division. The 42 days Trauma Healing and Peacebuilding Programme conducted by Caritas Fiji Trauma Specialist and Counselling Psychologist in the Northern part of Fiji reached almost 28 villages and 4 informal settlements; a total of 435 direct participants and [1]4 350 was designed to support individuals, families and communities affected by trauma caused by past political upheavals. Impacts were conflict social challenges and other experiences that affected emotional and social wellbeing. The programme provided a safe and supportive environment where participants could reflect on their experiences, understand the effects of trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild relationships.

[1] Average total number of household members 10 x total number of direct participants 435 = # of indirect participants.
Ultimately, this pastoral foundation ensures that Fiji’s journey toward truth and reconciliation is deeply rooted in empathy, divine guidance, and communal healing. The collaborative efforts of our faith leaders and peacebuilders pave the way for a more unified nation where historical grievances are met with restorative love and lasting peace.