By Paul binz
The Valley Catholic
HARLINGEN — Father Paulo Lui Voreqe, SS.CC. has become the newest priest in the Diocese of Brownsville. He was ordained June 17 by Bishop Daniel E. Flores at a special Mass at Queen of Peace Church.
The ordination into the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary had a decidedly unique character, attracting visitors from Father Voreqe’s home island of Fiji and other parts of the world — especially other Pacific islands — where the order does much of its work. Those attending included diplomats from Fiji and the priest who presided over Father Voreqe’s childhood faith milestones and assisted in his formation.
Attendants passed out lei — floral garlands — to those entering the church to witness the ordination. Certain prayers, songs and parts of the Liturgy of the Word were delivered in the Fijian language.
“Voreqe” is pronounced “Vaw-RENG-ay,” Father Voreqe told The Valley Catholic before the Mass.
“The ‘q’ in our language has the sound ‘ng’,” Father Voreqe said.
The Congregation of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary is famed for producing a saint in the 19th century from the work in Hawaii of Father Damien De Veuster.