By Fr. Will Matthews
Provincial AUL

       Melbourne, Australia, 10 September 2021 -- Shocked at the sudden and totally unexpected passing of the key figure in the Pacific Delegation's recently established Salesian Priash in Suva, the Australia-Pacific Provincial, Fr Will Matthews, writes:

       "With a heavy heart, I write to inform you of the death of our brother and friend, Fr Mika Leilua SDB, in Suva, Fiji in the early hours on Friday 10th September 2021.

       Totally unexpected and came as a shock to the members of Suva Salesian community firstly, and then to all of us, I entrust his gentle soul to our loving God.

       Mika was 58 years of age, a professed Salesian for 31 years, and a priest of the Church for 23 years.

       He spent early years of priestly ministry in formation including the role of Novice Master. After spending 4 years as a parish priest in Samoa, Mika spent 7 years at St Paul’s Parish, in Massey, New Zealand. He was appointed as the founding parish priest of the newly established parish in Suva from 2018.

       Let us pray for Mika’s everlasting repose and happiness, as well as consolation for his family and friends, especially those in Samoa, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

       Eternal rest grant unto Mika, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace, Amen."

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