Suva, Fiji, 31 January 2016 - The feast of St John Bosco was celebrated in true Pacifican style at Don Bosco House in Suva, Fiji with a large gathering of Salesian family and friends, local parishioners and religious and seminarians coming together to celebrate the Eucharist and witness the Religious Professions of five Salesians.
Fr Bernie Graham, Vice-Provincial, celebrated the Mass and received the Vows on behalf of the Rector Major. Twelve priests concelebrated, most of whom were Formators from other Religious Congregations and from the Pacific Regional Seminary. Using the 2016 Strenna as a starting point for his reflection Fr Bernie challenged those making their profession to be men in ‘Love with Jesus’, to ‘Journey together as brothers and with the young’, and to see their religious life as ‘an adventure with the Spirit’ allowing the Spirit of God to take them where he will.
Cleric Tuia Afoa made his definitive commitment as a Salesian making his Perpetual Profession.
Four novices made their first profession as Salesians – Clerics Falefa Elia, Sanele Faapue, Leofi Sueina and Esau Tuala. Their fellow novice, Cl Tristan O’Brien, made his first profession in Melbourne, Australia, on the same day.
On the eve of the Feast three clerics also renewed their Temporary Profession Kevin Fiame, Eteuati Milo and Sesario Vosarogoci.
Following the Religious Ceremony the newly professed were honoured with the Traditional Fijian Kava Ceremony.
