austraLasia #2752
Australia-Pacific Quinquennium in Samoa
by Fr Will Mathews
Apia (Samoa): 22 November 2010 -- Young Salesian
priests from the Province of Mary Help of Christians,
Australia-Pacific, who are within the first five years of
ordination, gathered recently at Tofa Mamao Samoan Religious
Cultural Centre for a three-days seminar run by Fr Francis Gustilo from
the North Philippines province. Nine 'young' priests, (some of
whom may be only young at heart), participated in this seminar. They
have come from Adelaide, Alafua, Fiji, Hobart, Melbourne and Salelologa.
The major theme of the seminar was "Don Bosco: the
originality of his Priesthood". All sessions were solidly structured
and presented from the wealth of the presenter's own experience.
The tropical heavenly weather of Samoa tempted a
number of participants to nod off. Yet, the interesting nature of the
presenter and the relevance of the topics kept everyone (including the
presenter!) alert.
Fr. Taisali, a young rector, was the coordinator of
liturgy while long time missionary in Samoa, Fr Nick Castelyns, kept an
eye on the physical needs of the confreres during the seminar.
All nine priests together with Fr Francis also
concelebrated the Sunday Eucharist led by Fr Falani at Leauva parish on
Sunday morning. It is always inspiring and uplifting experience to be
part of a joyful and meaningful Samoan Mass on a Sunday.
In addition to the seminar, the Salesians traveling
from Australia spent an extra two days in Samoa for sightseeing,
spending quality time with the local confreres and visiting Salesian
sisters.
Over all, Salesian works in Samoa are doing well
with the technical college in Alafua, and a parish each in Leauva,
Sinamoga and Savaii villages.
A new Salesian secondary school is planned to open in early 2011 in
Savaii Island where a community has already been established for its
preparation.
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