Setefano Naivalugone's tale is one of selfless dedication. It is about a man's unshakeable faith in the Lord over whatever comfort this world can offer.
For more than 30 years, the man from Sese Village, in Natewa, dedicated his life to the Catholic parish in Napuka, as its sole caretaker.
The parish is believed to be the largest in Vanua Levu because it serves the members of more than 20 villages.
Since the early 1950s, Setefano has toiled to keep the church in immaculate condition. His labour has led him to master plumbing and carpentry skills, aside from cleaning and landscaping.
At 86, Setefano looks back with enormous pride to a period he believes holds some fond memories.
He says the French, Australian and New Zealand priests, who were posted to the church at various times, showed him what true labour was all about.
One should do the work one enjoys and find a passion to do the tasks as best they can, he says.
Whatever the job, true labour should not only be motivated by a salary or wage, he shared.
He recalls how, at the end of every working day, he would smile from the great feeling of having completed all his duties well.
That, he says, is the definition of dedication and obedience, not just to his employer but mostly to God. He admits it was hard labour, given the limited resources.
One task he is proud of is the grotto located between Karoko Village and Napuka parish, which he built with a simple iron rod and hammer.
He carved the grotto with a three-inch iron rod and a hammer in 1960.
The grotto, for almost 50 years, has held the parish's statue of Mary safe from the foulest of weathers.
Setefano proudly shares that the statue has never been removed since it was first placed there.
"Our Lady of Fatima is always safe," he said.
While he might live in a simple setting and is partly blind, Setefano says he is blessed because of the work he did for the church.
He believes one of God's biggest blessing is his grand-daughter Maria.
The six-year-old is always around to help him when she is not in school.
At weekends if Maria's mum Asenaca is busy in their plantation, Maria steps in to prepare her grandfather's lunch.
* Setefano Naivalugone is nominated for a Pride of Fiji Medal in the Community Spirit category.
