Pacific Bishops’ delegation visits Vatican to strengthen seminary formation

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

The Pacific Regional Seminary of St. Peter Chanel in Suva, Fiji, is the only regional seminary serving the Church across Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia.

Established in 1970 and opened to seminarians in 1972, it has played a vital role in the formation of local clergy throughout the Pacific.

Following a comprehensive review initiated by the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) in 2025, a delegation led by CEPAC President Archbishop Ryan Jimenez of Agaña, Guam, travelled to Rome on 9–10 June to present the findings and recommendations and to seek guidance for the seminary’s future development.

Archbishop Jimenez was joined by the Chair of the Seminary Review Team, Adjunct Professor Susan Pascoe; Father Friedrich Bechina, OSR; and the seminary’s Rector, Father Okusitino Ulup.

During the visit, the delegation met with several Vatican Dicasteries to discuss the review’s findings and to strengthen collaboration with the Holy See in the ongoing renewal of priestly formation in the Pacific.

Fostering the interior life of seminarians

The delegation’s first meeting was with the Dicastery for Evangelization, where Cardinal Pro-Prefect Luis Antonio Tagle stressed the importance of maintaining high standards in seminary formation while remaining attentive to local cultural and historical realities.

Cardinal Tagle highlighted the central role of spiritual formation and accompaniment in fostering the interior life of seminarians, noting that such formation is essential for developing authentic pastoral leaders.

Discussions also explored possible avenues of support for the seminary through the Society of St. Peter the Apostle and other mission-related initiatives.

In subsequent meetings, representatives of relevant missionary and formation bodies encouraged the delegation in its mission of forming local clergy for the Pacific region and offered guidance on available support structures and funding opportunities.

Spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation as a lifelong journey

Meetings with officials of the Dicastery for the Clergy, including Monsignor Simone Renna, focused on formation as a lifelong journey extending beyond ordination and encompassing human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions.

Particular attention was given to the formation of formators, the integration of cultural contexts into seminary life, and the need for clear governance structures.

Officials also highlighted the value of synodal approaches, including discernment practices and broader participation in the life of the seminary. They encouraged ongoing formation opportunities in Rome and expressed openness to further collaboration, including possible on-site programmes in the Pacific region.

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Renewed commitment

During the visit, Father Ulup met with representatives of the Pontifical Urbaniana University to explore the possibility of formal affiliation with the seminary.

Vatican officials acknowledged the significant contribution of the Pacific Regional Seminary to the life of the Church in Oceania while encouraging its continued development in response to contemporary challenges.

Archbishop Jimenez and his delegation will return home to continue implementing the review’s recommendations, strengthened by the encouragement of the Holy See, in order to best prepare capable and faithful priests in the region.