Leauvaa, Samoa, 28 November 2024 -- The final-year students of Don Bosco Technical Center in Samoa marked a significant milestone on their journey of formation with a special visit to the Chapel of the Sacred Oil in Leauvaa Village. This event, organized as part of their graduation preparation, served as both a spiritual retreat and a time of meaningful reflection.
Accompanied by Fr Paselio Tevaga, Br Falefa Elia, and a dedicated team of teachers, the students engaged in a day filled with prayer, sharing, and Eucharistic celebration. This retreat emphasized the Salesian charism of integrating faith and daily life, as the young men prepared for their transition from school to the workforce or further studies.
The day began with a spiritual sharing session, during which students were encouraged to reflect on their vocational journey, their relationship with God, and their roles within their families and communities. These moments of introspection were aimed at fostering a sense of gratitude and commitment to the values instilled during their time at Don Bosco Technical Center.
A highlight of the program was the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Paselio. The Mass centered on invoking God’s blessings upon the students as they prepared to embark on their new paths. It was a reminder of the sacred mission entrusted to them: to be responsible, skilled, and God-fearing individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.
Br Falefa Elia, drawing from his recent Salesian experience in Rome and Italy, shared inspiring insights about the life and legacy of St John Bosco. He recounted his visits to significant Salesian sites, including the places where Don Bosco grew up and began his mission. Br Falefa encouraged the students to carry forward the Salesian spirit of hard work, faith, and service in their own lives. His personal testimony provided a vivid connection to the founder’s vision and motivated the young men to dream big while staying rooted in their faith.
The retreat concluded with heartfelt exchanges and expressions of gratitude among the students, teachers, and Salesian leaders. It was a moment of mutual encouragement and a reaffirmation of the enduring values of Don Bosco’s educational mission.
As these young men prepare to graduate and step into the next phase of their lives, they carry with them not only the technical skills they have learned but also the spiritual foundation that will guide them in becoming "upright citizens and good Christians."
This retreat at the Chapel of the Sacred Oil was more than an event—it was a transformative experience that will remain etched in their hearts as they move forward with hope, faith, and determination.
