Lighting on the Company
The majority of the inhabitants of Bora Bora, an island of approximately 12 square km belonging to the archipelago of the Society Islands, are almost exclusively Catholic and are part of the Diocese of the Society Islands. Bora Bora, a volcanic island, is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations. Religious practices and cultural beliefs are deeply rooted in the culture of the people of Bora Bora. Although many tourists expect to see polytheistic traditional cultures, this is not the case. If you are willing to learn, understand, and enjoy the divine spirituality underlying Bora Bora, then you can enjoy the local religious beliefs and practices in their full glory.
Catholicism
Catholicism has long been the main religion and main practice in Bora Bora. In the 18th century, when Christianity became the dominant religion on the island, Catholic missionaries worked hard to convert the natives from polytheism. Over time, Catholicism became the religion practiced by most residents of Bora Bora and its religion became strongly imbibed in the local culture. Most residents follow Catholic practices and honor Catholic saints, especially Saint Therese, the patron saint of the island.
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages are a common practice for Catholics in Bora Bora. The Pope has made the island an important place for pilgrimages and Saint Thérèse is one of the main venerated saints. Residents of Bora Bora hold annual pilgrimages for most saints, but the largest are for Saint Therese, who was canonized in 1997. Believers come together to pay homage to Saint Therese and honor the memory of the souls who populate the Bora Bora. island. Pilgrims recite prayers, listen to a mass, listen to songs and bathe in the turquoise waters of Bora Bora.
Holidays
Many festivals and celebrations are held on the island to honor the saints and showcase different aspects of religious beliefs and practices. Holidays celebrate religion and appease evil spirits. Some religious festivals are held in honor of the Pope, the Spring Festival and the Festival of the Immaculate Conception. Thursday and Saturday Faré (popular celebrations, during which locals offer gifts to the gods and serve meals to others), as well as other celebrations, are celebrated on the island throughout the year.
marae
Marae are stone and earthen structures often associated with marae (or maru) altars. Once used as places of worship, these sites are associated with the religious and customary beliefs of Polynesians and are of grave spiritual importance to locals. The Marae are thought to be in touch with divinity and to offer a place of communion between the greatness of God and humans. Several Marae still exist today in Bora Bora and are certainly one of the main sites to visit.
Ta’haloa and other beliefs
Ta’haloa are sacred plants that are considered sacred and have special healing properties for the people of Bora Bora. For generations, they have used them to fight various ailments, but they also respect them because of their sacred properties. They consider the Ta’haloa to provide a link between deities and humans. Other mystical beliefs and practices, such as Kahunhua and Tarawa, are linked to the polytheism of the islands and intertwine with the positive and beneficial practices of Catholicism.
Monotheism and Catholic Practice in Bora Bora
Catholic monotheism developed in Bora Bora with the conversion of the inhabitants to the teachings of the religion. Catholic priests have played a leading role in developing and maintaining the uniqueness of religious beliefs and practices in Bora Bora and encourage the maintenance of local religious traditions. These priests support the concept of “sacred ground” and encourage the worship of Catholic saints, such as Saint Therese. Priests and religious authorities also work to promote religious education in order to maintain the population’s belief in God and his love. Every year, crucial pilgrimages in honor of Catholic saints are made and promote religious tourism in Bora Bora.
Audience Religion
Although religious beliefs and practices in Bora Bora are predominantly Catholic, religion is public, and even if you are not a believer, you are welcome to attend any church. The churches are open for prayer and meditation and there are very few people there. All over the island, you will find Catholic churches that are almost always open for service and provide perfect opportunities to perform silent observances. Churches can be beautifully decorated and you can see scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary. The beauty of these shrines is only surpassed by the spiritual ambiance that emanates from them.
spiritual load
Spirituality is very present in Bora Bora and the inhabitants consider it an indispensable part of their life. Many locals and tourists go to the church to recite their prayers and bathe in the spirituality that emanates from it. The inhabitants connect to the gods, to the souls of the past and to nature in general. Tourists can also feel spiritually connected to the island by visiting spiritual sites and attending services at Catholic churches. Public confessions are celebrated on the island and confessionals are available for the confessional of tourists.
Other influential religious beliefs
The majority of Bora Bora residents are still Catholic, but in recent years many religious beliefs have been introduced by the many tourists who make the trip to the island each year. Towns such as Vaitape, Uturoa and small islands in the lagoon also have Protestant churches and a small evangelical presence, while the Soka Gakkai Temple in Vaitape is the guardian of international Soka Gakkai Buddhism, and Shinto temples are located on a few islands. .
Conclusion
Bora Bora is a beautiful island with endless possibilities for divine spirituality. Although Catholicism is still the major religion in Bora Bora, it now rubs shoulders with various other religious beliefs, such as Protestant religions, Buddhism and Shintoism. It is possible to find Christian practices, but also the mystical beliefs and practices of the indigenous inhabitants, which are still very much alive. The inhabitants of Bora Bora still respect a spirituality tested from generation to generation and join forces to keep the faith. If you are ready to discover deep spirituality and rituals, Bora Bora could be the perfect destination for you. Religious beliefs and practices, linked to Catholicism, traditional festivals and various other beliefs, are magic that are deeply rooted in the world of Bora Bora.