Young Delegation of the Pacific welcomes more EAO missionaries

By Cl. Kevin Fiame Sailele, SDB

Apia-Alafua, Samoa, 30 May 2017 -- As every year, also in 2017 the tiny islands of Samoa in the center of the Pacific celebrates on June 1st the independence day (1962). As usually our 200+ students of Don Bosco Technical School in Apia-Alafua are chosen to perform in front of the Samoa Government building on that occasion. Bosconian dances and songs can't be missed on this annual occasion every year!

Since 1979 the Salesian charism in Samoa is getting rooted in the local Church and culture. Thousands of Don Bosco Past Pupils, three communities of the Salesian Sisters together with the starting groups of Salesian Cooperators in Upolu and Savai'i Islands are growing together. Eleven Salesian of Don Bosco SDB with 4 candidates - in two canonical communities of Saleloga (Savai'i) and Alafua - Leevaa (Upolu) - are the animating nucleus for the whole Salesian family in Samoa.

The start of Pacific Delegation (Superior Fr. Vito Pau Petelo) last January 2017 is a challenge to the Samoa Salesians to take more responsiblity for the growth of our Charism in this beautiful country at the center of the whole Pacific Ocean. With a focus on Formation of the SDB and Lay Mission Partners, on Youth Ministry with more group experience and on Communication among the four communities in the Pacific (Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand) the Pacific Delegation has clear road map.

As in every part of the world, the future of the Charism needs inter-cultural dynamics. Pacific Delegation is looking forward for some courageous missionaries from the EAO provinces, like Cl. Peter Duc from Vietnam, who is now happy doing his practical training in the community of Saleleloga in Samoa. The dynamic and very religious young people of Samoa are looking forward for more Salesians of Don Bosco in their midst!

Happy Anniversary of the Independence!

Related articles: Warm welcome to Samoa

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