The Internovitiate Program on Cultural Awareness
Suva, Fiji Islands, 11 August 2018 -- Last weekend, the novices and postulants from the Marist Brothers, Marist Sisters, Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Salesians of Don Bosco, Sisters of St. Joseph of Cluny, Sister Missionaries of the Society of Mary gathered for a two-day workshop on Cultural Awareness. Altogether, including the formators, twelve cultures were represented: China (2), Fiji (6, including the FMS Director of Novices), Indonesia (1), Kenya (1), Kiribati (1), Papua New Guinea (1, MSC Director of Novices), Myanmar (1, SDB Director of Novices), Nigeria (1), Rotuma (1), Samoa (4), Tonga (1), and Zimbabwe (1).
The talks, discussions and sharing helped us to understand different cultures and traditions. There was also a session about how one’s culture can be used to manipulate community life, especially in multicultural religious communitites. This was very interesting and helpful for us as religious living and working members from many parts of the world. Many thanks to Mother Nanise (Superior General of the Sisters of Our Lady of Nazareth) and Elizabeth Krishna (Lay Consecrated Person).
Ministries and Renewal of Vows in the Pacific
During the recent Provincial Visitation to Don Bosco House, Suva, Fiji Islands Fr Will Matthews presided over the installation of Cl. Sinapati Ioane to the Ministry of Reader and Cl. Atonio Lealea to the Ministry of Acolyte. Both are studying Theology at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva.
Whilst in Salelologa, Samoa, Cl. Peter Minh Duc Nguyen renewed his vows. Peter is a missionary ad gentes from Vietnam to the Pacific Delegation and is currently undertaking Practical Training at Don Bosco College in Salelologa.
