The holiday for the children

By Cl Peter Duc Nguyen, SDB

Salelologa - Savaii, Samoa, 14 October 2018 -- The third Sunday of October is White Sunday, the holiday for the children in Samoa. On this occasion the children receive many different gifts from their parents and their relatives. Concerts and sports are also organised for them to help them enjoy their holiday. Today, Salelologa parish held sports for more than 100 children from 5 to 18 years old in the parish (includes three churches: Salelologa, Salelavalu and Iva) at Don Bosco College.

At the beginning of the day at 9 AM, Fr Visesio Tovio SDB, the parish priest, led prayers, explained the meaning of the day and also gave some encouragement for the children before playing games.

The games started simultaneously at 9:30 with football, volleyball and rugby. Fathers and brothers in Salelologa SDB community were the referees and the players. Fr Nuku Leafia was on the rugby field. Cl Kevin Fiame was on the volleyball field and Cl. Peter Nguyen was on the football field. The atmosphere was lively and happy on the fields. While the children were playing, some parents and catechists were quietly but enthusiastically preparing the food for them.

After games, the children performed some nice dances and we had a meal together in the hall of the school. The event was successful and meaningful, especially for the children in their holiday - there were happy faces all the day. It ended at 1:30p.m. Thanks to this event, Salesians and Salesian Cooperators in Salelologa had a good chance to be present, to guide and to play with the young as Don Bosco wanted his followers to do.

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