austraLasia 799
PAN-PACIFIC NOVITIATE IN
2004
APIA (Samoa): 2nd February
'04 -- They call themselves the 'cradle of Polynesia' in
Samoa. For this year at least they may also call themselves the cradle of
Pacific Salesianity. In a striking example of regional cooperation, the
2004 novitiate has begun in Samoa with one Japanese, one Papua New Guinean and
two Samoan candidates. This is the first time that the Pacific-based
novitiate programme for the Australian Province has included candidates from
other Provinces and, of course, if it is successful, it is unlikely to be the
last.
The common language will be English, though it is almost
certain that the two candidates from outside the South Pacific area will be
exposed to a good deal of Samoan and, of course, the all-pervasive Samoan
culture. The novitiate is located next to Don Bosco Technical Centre
Alafua, catering for young men who have dropped out or not completed their
normal secondary schooling processes. There are opportunities for the
novices to mix with these young men and their teachers.
The Salesian presence in Samoa this year celebrates its
25th anniversary. It is fitting that the Jubilee year be marked
by such an opening up to the wider region.
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