By Cl. Pati Ioane, SDB

Leauvaa, Samoa, 16 January 2019 --The day that we, the Pacific Delegation, have been dreaming of has finally arrived. The opening of the first ever Pacific Delegation Assembly was held at St Therese Retreat Centre, Leauvaa, Samoa on 15 January 2019. The gathering is made up of four canonical communities which are the Salesian presences in the Pacific: Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.

First and foremost, the opening prayer was led by the moderator himself, imploring the help of the Holy Spirit to guide and to inspire the gathering. The welcome of all the confreres from these three countries was made by Fr James Kyaw Hoe, the moderator of the Delegation Assembly. In his opening remarks the moderator reminded us of the importance of this gathering for the energy of the Salesian presence in the Pacific, and for us, the Pacific Delegation confreres, to recognize the value of our Salesian life, to renew our Salesian calling and to take on the challenges placed upon us and before us as we start our own Pacific Delegation.

The highlight of the first night was the welcoming remarks delivered by Fr Petelo Vito Pau, the Pacific Delegate in welcoming everyone again and inviting us all to feel at home and enjoy each other’s company. He reminded everyone it is also a good time for each confrere, especially the young ones, to get to know each other and to have fun together sharing the Spirit of Don Bosco.

The 30 participants of the Pacific Delegation Assembly appreciated the message the Australia-Pacific Provincial, Fr William Mathews, sent on January 8, containing the following four indications: (1) Strengthen the sense of belonging to the Pacific Delegation, (2) Foster quality Youth Ministry, (3) Foster quality formation of the Salesians and (4) Personnel in the Pacific Mission. Also the EAO Regional Councillor sent his video message from the Pinardi Chapel at Valdocco with wishes of growth in communion with the whole world-wide Congregation.

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