5750(III)_Pastoral Visitation with Father William Matthews
Suva, Fiji, 21 December 2021 -- After nearly two years of travel restrictions, Fr. William Matthews (Provincial) was able to visit our community in Suva, Fiji. He was welcomed with the traditional Fijian kava ceremony (sevusevu) at the Parish Centre by the parishioners and lay people.
Fr. William accompanied the Brothers during their pastoral visits to the villages of Muanikoso, Makoi, Davuilevu, Nakasi and Waidamudamu. He met a lot of people and the young ones who recognized him from the photos they saw in the Salesian Bulletin and Salesian publications.
The people were very happy that Fr. William visited them and came to see their village. It gave them the opportunity to share their stories with him, and to speak about the Salesian presence in the areas especially about Brothers’ work among their children.
One parishioner, Suliasi Mikaele Ravai, told Fr. William that he and his wife appreciate the work that the Brothers are doing for their children. Every time they come around, the Brothers bring Rosaries, the Salesian Bulletins, sweets. They make everyone feel welcome and they are very happy with the way the Brothers play sport with the young people, and show how much they care and respect their children.
Some families that we visited with Fr. William, have no access to electricity. They have to rely on solar powered lights at night, and eat their dinner before sunset. Many families live in one room homes with lots of kids and family members living under the same roof.
We are very happy that Fr. William joined us for our pastoral visitation. A big thank you to Fr. William from the confreres and the young people in Suva.
