4639_Keep smiling: the best gift to the young people

Interview with the only Salesian Brother present in the AUL–Pacific Delegation

February 12, 2018

By Fr. Stan Rossato, SDB
Australian – Bursar and Formator in Fiji

Suva, Fiji, 12 February 2018 -- INTERVIEW WITH THE ONLY SALESIAN BROTHER IN THE PACIFIC DELEGATION

What makes you joyful as Salesian Brother?

Getting things done with prayer, fun and common sense.

Who is your Salesian Brother model?

Yes, there are several Salesian Brothers, like Br Peter Swain, Br James Hamilton or Br Cahill Gleisner – all of them lived and worked in Australia.

What is the specific contribution of the Salesian Brother to our mission & community?

The Salesian Brother does contribute with his ‘down to earth mentality, common sense and balanced approach’ to OUR mission & community.

How to make the vocation of Salesian Brother more visible in the Church, esp. in the Pacific?

In the Pacific we would need greater Involvement with with "the local people & youth" PLUS the education of our Salesian confrere (Priests and candidates to the priesthood) as to the value of Salesian Brothers.

How can we contribute to the Salesian Brother Vocation promotion (esp. in the Pacific)?

We need greater involvement with "the local people & youth’. Salesian Brother could be a member of the Suva (Fiji) Archdiocesan commission for Youth, schools or parishes.

What does sustain or what give energy to your vocation?

After nearly 50 years as Salesian will get me through two more years of a rather difficult experience of being in a mainly Samoan community even if it is in Fiji. The local Government only allows me to have two work permits of 3 years. Even the civil authorities do not understand the "idea" of being a (religious) Brother.

Any suggestion for the path towards the EAO 2018 Salesian Brothers Congress?

Visiting other Salesian Communities (not only Brothers) to watch - observe and learn how they continue to assist others.

NB: Suva Don Bosco is the only SDB community in Fiji Islands with a newly established parish of St. John Bosco, Novitiate and Postnovitiate Formation stages. The formator heed from Myanmar, Australia and Samoa. The Salesian in initial formation are from Samoa and Fiji Islands.