austraLasia 793
Oceania: Jubilee celebrations begin both
sides of 'the line'
Fiji-Samoa: Saturday 24th January '04
-- 'The line' is that imaginary 180 degree meridian which bisects Fiji
and which is the international date line for the rest
of the world. Fortunately for Fiji the date line moves east a fraction so
as not to split the nation into two separate days! But it means that
Salesians in Fiji are first to celebrate a feast and Samoa is last, though just
an hour and half flying time apart.
The Australian Province of Mary Help of Christians has
begun its celebration of 25 years in the South Pacific, beginning in Samoa 25
years ago and extending to Fiji just six years ago. The celebration has a
proud beginning with the first professions in Samoa of four novices , who
will then a few days later make the short flight (and lose a day of their
lives!) across 'the line' to Fiji. Meanwhile in Fiji, the Feast of Francis
de Sales has almost run its course as we write, with a solemn celebration
of Eucharist in the morning attended by a gathering of the Salesian Family,
including the FMA Provincial from Australia; in the evening a gala dinner
at Don Bosco House with local Religious and prepared by the Salesian
Community under the direction of the outgoing Rector Fr. Julian Fox. The
dinner is described as 'Italian tastes with a touch of the Savoiard', to best
catch the Salesian flavour of the day's Feast.
Within a few days the Fiji community will be joined by
the Australian SDB Provincial for renewals of vows in Fiji and to set
the new community sailing under the direction of Fr. Petelo Vito Pau.
As the year progresses, further celebrations, focused on Samoa, will take place,
including a visit by the Rector Major in October.
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'austraLasia' is an email service for the Salesian
Family of Asia-Pacific.
