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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