5085_First Center of Salesian Cooperators in Samoa

Best gift for the 40th anniversary of Salesian presence

By By Fr. Taisali Leuluai, SDB
Delegate to the Salesian Cooperators, Samoa

Alafua Don Bosco, Samoa (Pacific Delegation AUL), 10 May 2019 -- After the memorable visit of the Rector Major to Samoa (May 2015) the formation of our lay mission partners as Salesian Cooperators was started, then in 2017 two of our first women Cooperators made their promise during the EAO Regional Congress in Tokyo (May 2017) and last April 2018, thanks to Fr Sefo Mulipola, we got our PAL in Samoan translation. Finally last December 8, 2018, with the promise of another 10 new members finally our first ASC Center in Samoa was open.

We are proud of our long-term mission partners, men and women, who are on our side in our parishes, schools and supporting the Don Bosco mission in many different ways - some of them are catechists, principals of Catholic or Salesian schools, involved in many different professions. Until now the monthly meetings were held with the PAL in the Samoan language in our hands and with the input of our Salesian Delegate, Fr Taisali (Parish priest of Leauva'a) or other SDBs or FMAs. During the animation visit of the EAO Regional Councillor (9 May) we recognised the need to grow more in autonomy as an Association (Coordinator Ms Lagi Schwenke and other 3 members with office - Treasurer, Secretary and Formation) and pledge to start with more life sharing and formation input also by our lay members.

Young people are at the heart of all Salesian Family members, also our centre is sensitive to the needs of the less privileged children and youth. Recently after a large fundrasing movement we were able to contribute to paying a salary of one more teacher necessary in the Sinamoga Parish Preparatory (Kindergarten) school.

Although we are very far from other EAO centres, we try to keep in touch, through sharing of Salesian Family news. Being the first ASC Centre in our Delegation, we feel also the responsibility to assist other starting centers in Samoa (Savaii), New Zealand (Auckland) and Fiji (Suva).

The full text of the PAL (Project of Apostolic Life) translated in Samoan language (for download)