ALAFUA 22 August
2012 -- Because the official Feast of St John
Bosco falls
in the school holidays, Don Bosco Technical Centre, Alafua,
Samoa
celebrates the birthday of Don Bosco on August 16th.
The festivities took place over two days. On the 16th
August the
school day concluded with a rousing Eucharistic celebration in
honour
of the Patron of the school. The celebrant, Father Nick,
in his
homily illustrated the many difficulties young John had in his
early
years. John did not let these difficulties get in the
way of his
aspirations. His dream at the age of 9 became his vision for
the
future. And because of this “Don Bosco” is now present
in many
countries in the world, not just in buildings, schools,
churches, etc,
but as an inspiring person, who loves young people dearly.
The next day the celebrations continued. And what better
way in
Samoa than to celebrate it with a huge meal! The day,
called
“culture day” focussed on the preparation of the midday
meal.
Organised in 4 groups they competed for the honour of
preparing the
best meal. The boys brought taro, taro leaves (to make
“palusami”
– a delicious mixture of young taro leaves, coconut cream,
onions and
salt), size 2 piggies, dozens of chicken, coconuts, banana
leaves and
palm fronds to cover the “umu” (ground oven).
Soon the 200+ boys were hustling about their allotted
tasks. The
smoke of the cooking fires wafted across the school grounds,
together
with songs and heaps of laughter. The stones for the umu were
heated,
chickens plucked and gutted, piggies cleaned and stuffed with
palm
leaves and other leafy ingredients. Coconuts were husked,
scraped and
wrung into coconut milk, taro scraped and put into the cooking
cauldrons. Food baskets were plaited. Once the stones
were hot
enough for the umu they were spread out at a frenetic speed –
some boys
almost doing a fire dance. The food was placed on top of
the
stones and covered with banana, breadfruit and palm leaves.
The waiting
times was filled with more singing and laughter. Then
came the
time to uncover the food and tuck in! The multitude did
not take
long to demolish the abundance of food.
After all had their fill and the leftovers gathered (not much,
mind
you!) the winning team was announced, the boys sang “Happy
Birthday” to
Don Bosco, and they were treated to chillichocs. So
ended the
festivities.
Rubbing their tummies the boys went home. “It was a good day,
because
there was plenty of food” is the usual saying in Samoa!
