3363 Roundup of DB Events in the 'far east' of EAO
austraLasia #3363

 
Roundup of DB Events in the 'far east' of EAO
SALELOLOGA (Samoa), HENDERSON (Solomons), FUILORO (Timor Leste): 3 Februry 2014 --  Given the quantity of material coming in regarding the DB celebrations for 31st January, here is a roundup of events in three areas in EAO's far eastern sector: Don Bosco High School and Vocational Centre, Salelologa, Savai'i (Samoa); Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, Solomons; Don Bosco Jubilee Hall opening at Fuiloro, Timor Leste. We will take them in order of the beginning of the day, 31st January!
SALELOLOGA
Since on the morning of December 31 2011, Samoa moved to the western side of the International Dateline, the world’s day now starts in Samoa!  And so it was that the world-wide celebrations of St John Bosco  began on the morning of January 31st 2014, Samoa, moving westward via Fiji, New Zealand and Australia (all belonging to the Australian Pacific Province of Mary Help of Christians) around the world.

The Feast day this year occurred in the first week of school, so in Salelologa, on the  big island of Savaii, the opening of the school year  was combined with the festive celebration of THE Mass of St John Bosco, in the large  Parish Church which was filled to capacity with parents,  teachers and students.  Don Bosco High School and Vocational Centre, Salelologa is now a College (although we are still waiting for the official government recognition)  as the first stream of students reached Year 13 level.  This year also saw a substantial increase of new students.

As usual the students' participation at the Mass was inspiring. In his homily  Father Mosese Tui, the principal, gave a broad outline of Don Bosco’s life, emphasizing his great love for young people, which is continued by the Salesians all over the world.

During the Mass the Head Boys and Girls and the prefects  were installed, a first in the history of the “baby” College.

As usual the celebration concluded with “light refreshments “ in the Parish hall, so no-one went home hungry since  even  “light refreshments tend to be rather filling.

HENDERSON
Salesians, Priests, religious, staff, Salesian Family members and well-wishers honoured St John Bosco with a thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration and a festive meal on 31st January at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson.

Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb, Bishop of Gizo, presided at the Eucharistic celebration. He was joined by Auxiliary Bishop John Doaninoel sm and several other priests. "Don Bosco was the expert in young people", Bishop Capelli said. "He saw education not as an exclusive right for the bright youngster but as a possibility for all, especially the ones in difficulty", he continued. The singing at the Eucharist was led by Sr. Irene Heruta fnsp and Fr Sonny Fararjo sdb. Lively party games were organized by Sr Sialei Puapuaga fma.

The gathering enjoyed a delicious festive meal with a variety of dishes brought in by the different communities.  The celebration ended with the cutting of the feast day cake.

FUILORO
On the Solemnity of St John Bosco, Fuiloro saw the inauguration of the Don Bosco Jubilee Hall.  It is first biggest hall in the ITM Vice-Province. It was financed by the Attaché for Civil Society, Office of the Prime Minister of Timor Leste. The project itself was coordinated by the rector of the community, Fr. Jose Vattaparambil, an Indian missionary.  His intention is to remember the Bicentenary of the Birth of the Saint of the Young, the 65th anniversary of the Salesian Presence in Timor Leste, and the 25th anniversary of the Don Bosco Agriculture School at Fuiloro.

Fr. Joao Paulino Aparicio Guterres, the ITM provincial, presided at the Holy Eucharist, concelebrated with the Salesian priests from that community and the parish priest of  Lautem. In his homily, Fr. Joaoemphasized the importance of consolidating ones faith and knowledge in God, for anyone serving young people. He affirmed that young people are key players in the State and the Church's future. That is why State and Church should cooperate well for the same purpose, the formation and the education of the young. 

Fr. Jose Vattaparambil also said that we should have faith in God and trust each other. It is with such principles that we have been able to realize the impossible dream, such as building the Don Bosco Jubilee Hall.

For his part, the  Deputy Prime Minister, Fernando Lasama, congratulated the Salesians on their work and promised that the Timor Leste Government will always give its support for the good of all Timorese people. And finally, the President of the National Parliament also said that by building the structure we hoped to build on our growth as human beings.

Every SDB community in Timor Leste organized activities and novenas on the occasion of this feast day. The Provincial himself celebrated the feast in Fuiloro and the vice provincial, Fr. Apolinario Neto went to the community in Laga for celebrations. In Dili, the celebration was lead by Fr Manuel Pinto, one of the council members.