By: Falefa Elia, SDB

Nakasi (Suva) Fiji, 21 August 2023 -- On 19 August, our Salesian Community in Fiji received a special and highly anticipated guest – Fr Alfred Maravilla, the Councillor for Missions in our Salesian Congregation. Fr Alfred is known for his commitment to our Salesian Mission and his experience in guiding missionaries worldwide. His visit was short and mutually enriching for him and the confreres.

During his visit, Fr Alfred made it a point to connect with the local community. He visited the families of our Parish of St John Bosco and engaged in heartfelt conversations with the people sharing the message of joy and hope in the spirit of St John Bosco.

Fr Alfred presided at the Parish Sunday Eucharist and he was able to meet many of the parishioners. In the homily, Father reminded us of the values upheld by the Salesian community and encouraged them to continue their good work.

After Evening Prayer on Sunday, Fr Alfred shared his reflections on the Salesian missionary vocation and formation, his missionary experiences, as a missionary in PNG and as a General Councillor for Salesian Missions of his visits to the many Salesian missionary outposts in the world. Father also shared his thoughts of becoming an effective Salesian missionary in a rapidly changing world, its challenges and about continuously nurturing the spirit of service, love and compassion that defines the Salesian way of life as taught by our founder.

Fr Alfred’s visit and sharing helped us to connect and unite with our Salesian missionaries all over the world. A point he highlighted was that being a Salesian Missionary is a lifelong dedication that brings hope and joy to the lives of young people.

As Fr Alfred departed Fiji on 21 August, we felt specially blessed by his visit to our Salesian community and the joy he brought to the lives of all the young and the people of our parish of St. John Bosco.

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