The Sisters of the Good Samaritan celebrated recently when Sister Tokarerei Matiera made her First Profession of Vows in a joy-filled liturgy in her home country of Kiribati, writes Debra Vermeer.
Tokarerei said that following the challenges of undertaking her Pre-Novitiate in Kiribati during the COVID-19 pandemic and completing her Novitiate in Australia, far from family and friends, she was blessed with a feeling of deep peace as she made her first vows.
“I was so pleased and grateful to God for giving me peace while I made my vows to him,” she said.
From left: Good Samaritan Sisters Meg Kahler, Tokarerei Matiera and Maree Nash. Image: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
Tokarerei first met the Sisters of the Good Samaritan while studying at the Kiribati Pastoral Institute (KPI) and was so inspired by their ministry and Benedictine charism that she took up the invitation to attend a ‘Come and See’ day with the Sisters.
After a period as an Inquirer, she joined the Pre-Novitiate program in Kiribati, where, due to pandemic restrictions and visa delays, she stayed for two years.
“Looking back to my time when I was in the Pre-Novitiate, I see that it was a very significant time in my life to learn and experience the Good Samaritan way of life and mission,” she said.
In February 2023, Tokarerei moved to Australia to enter the Novitiate in Lawson in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney.
Novice Director Good Samaritan Sister Maree Nash said the Novitiate was a time of both formation and discernment for Tokarerei.
“Her journey from the Pre-Novitiate and through the Novitiate has been a time to discern whether she feels it’s the right path for her to become a Sister of the Good Samaritan and whether this is what God has called her to,” Maree said.
Sister Tokarerei Matiera SGS sings the Suscipe during Mass. Image: Diocese of Tarawa and Nauru.
During her two years of Novitiate, Tokarerei engaged in more intensive study of Scripture and the Rule of St Benedict, Rules of the Congregation’s founder Archbishop John Bede Polding OSB, the Constitutions and Statutes, and more focused study on the vows of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, as well as working on her self-knowledge through activities such as a structured autobiography. Tokarerei also continued to study English and undertook activities aimed at developing the whole person, including art, music and speech.
“As Novice Director, I accompanied her and, as with all of our Sisters, she received spiritual direction,” Maree said.
“In all of these things, Tokarerei was discerning what was right for her and, of course, the Congregation was also discerning if she was the right fit for us.
“Her formation included living in community with the Sisters and also partaking in our area community, as well as being part of broader congregational activities, such as celebrations for the Feast of St Benedict, Masses for Sisters who have died and jubilee celebrations.”
Another important part of Tokarerei’s formation was a Community Ministry experience in Bacolod in the Philippines where she spent two months living with the Sisters at the Diamond Street community and accompanying them in their ministries, in particular the Good Samaritan Outreach Center, Kinder School, and prison ministry.
One notable aspect of Tokarerei’s Novitiate life was that she was the only novice going through the program at that time.
“From my perspective, I think that was very difficult for her,” Maree said. “She didn’t have the company of other novices, either within our Congregation or even from other congregations.
“It was wonderful when some of our Sisters from Kiribati would arrive in Australia for visits so that she could enjoy their company and have some relaxed leisure time with them.”
Sister Tokarerei Matiera SGS in her home country of Kiribati. Image: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
Tokarerei agreed that it was difficult to be so far from home and without any other novices to accompany her.
“It was challenging as the only novice, living in a strange place, without much language, no peers that I could talk with or discuss things with,” she said. “But I was delighted to have different Sisters and lay people for my lessons as I could communicate or discuss things with them.
“I was able to acknowledge all the challenges that I met on the journey and tried to name them and share them with my Novice Director or Spiritual Director.”
Despite the challenges, Tokarerei said her Novitiate was filled with highlights and happy times. “The biggest highlight for me was having the time to discern God’s call for me,” she said.
“Other things included learning a new culture, being with my community of Sisters (at Lawson) and following the rhythm of the way of life in the Novitiate program.
“Also, studying, travelling and exploring new places, joining the choir at Mass sometimes and meeting people in the parish was wonderful. During the Congregational Chapter of the Sisters, I got to know Sisters from different countries.”
Tokarerei said she enjoyed the opportunity of doing her Community Ministry experience in the Philippines and, in general, learning the Good Samaritan way of life and mission.
Some aspects of modern technology which are not widely used in Kiribati were also an unexpected delight, including the various means of public transport in Australia and domestic duties like unpacking the dishwasher.
Tokarerei’s First Profession of Vows took place on 19 July 2025 during Mass in the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Sisters’ chapel at Teaoraereke. Mass was followed by refreshments and a celebration, including dancing, entertainment and a special meal at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart’s Maneaba (a traditional outdoor gathering place).
Bishop Simon Mani MSC with Sister Tokarerei Matiera SGS. Image: Sisters of the Good Samaritan.
The Bishop of Tarawa and Nauru, Bishop Simon Mani MSC, presided at the Mass, which also included the participation of diocesan priests, a deacon, Sisters of the Good Samaritan, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Sisters and Associates, Marist Brothers, KPI students with the Director and staff and Tokarerei’s former colleagues from the KPI, along with members of her extended family.
Congregational Council Member Good Samaritan Sister Meg Kahler received Tokarerei’s vows and six other Sisters from Australia and the Philippines who had been part of Tokarerei’s journey also attended, along with the Kiribati-based Sisters.
“It was a very joyful time,” Maree said. “Naturally, Tokarerei was very happy, and it was a wonderful celebration.”
Since returning to Kiribati in late February, Tokarerei has been living in the Abaokoro community, continuing her Novitiate with Good Samaritan Sister Sarah Puls as acting Novitiate Director until Maree was able to continue from early May. Tokarerei is now undertaking a Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) at the University of the South Pacific.
“Part of my Novitiate program was my ministry at our Good Samaritan Early Childhood Centre Pre-school, supporting the teachers,” she said.
“This gave me much joy. I like being with the young children and relating to them in different ways. I learnt much about them and from them.
“Now my ministry at the Pre-school is helping me with my study to identify and comprehend the differences in children’s behaviour, how to negotiate with them, and what aspects are needed for the development of their wellbeing.”
Meanwhile, Maree, who will soon finish her term as Novice Director, said that with Tokarerei now in temporary vows, and her own contract finishing, she is open to God’s guidance on the next chapter in her life, but looks back on her ministry and experience in formation with gratitude.
“To see them grow in their own self-knowledge and awareness and to develop and grow in confidence and living our way of life has been a great privilege,” she said.
“And, wherever their discernment led them, to see them peaceful with their decision, content and contributing to the community in different ways, is a joy. I’m deeply thankful for the trust of each of the women I’ve journeyed with.”
This article was published in the August 2025 edition of The Good Oil.
