By Afia Enosa, SDB

      Suva, Fiji, 22 March 2022 -- The Solemnity of Saint Joseph (19 March) was extra solemn this year because five candidates were ordained to the ministry of deacon by His Grace Archbishop Peter Loy Chong in Suva, Fiji. The candidates were: Eusenio Uatahausi from the Diocesan Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary), and our very own Peter Minh Duc Nguyen (SDB).

      Adding to solemnity of the occasion was the presence of the Provincial of Australia and the Pacific, Fr William Matthews and the members of the Provincial Council, Frs Peter Hoang, Peter Carroll, Brian Ahern, and Joseph Lee. Unfortunately, Fr Anthony Dung was unable to come to Fiji because of travel complications. It was a special celebration as the Provincial and his council members were present together and parishioners of Saint John Bosco Parish to witness our young brother ordained as a deacon.

      Of the five new deacons, Eusenio Uatahausi (Diocese of Tonga), Brother Maiki Kamauoha (SSCC), Brother John Francis Sawchenko (SSCC), Brother Semisi Pulotu (SSCC), and Brother Peter Minh Duc Nguyen (SDB), four are still attending the seminary and one graduated last year.

      There were many friends and family members who were at the ordination. For Deacon Peter Minh Duc, there was a small group from Vietnam who represented his family, loved ones and confreres from home.

      Deacon Peter spoke of his deepest appreciation of his parents and family, and the Salesian confreres who accompanied him during his formation.

      Deacon Peter Minh Duc is currently in Year Seven at the Pacific Regional Seminary. He is also the first Vietnamese missionary to be ordained deacon in the Pacific and in Fiji.

       At the end of the Eucharistic celebration, Deacon Peter shared this thought: I’m so grateful to God… as I am to you all.” This day was indeed made by the Lord and we all rejoice with our brother Peter. “I’m so grateful to God for his abundant blessings and also for being with me throughout my Salesian journey. I wish my family especially my parents were here but the presence of some of my Vietnamese families and also my Salesian family makes me feel at home. Thank you for your prayers and support in many ways. Thank you to our Parish, Saint John Bosco Parish for your prayers and support for me. Continue to pray for me as I do for you all”.

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