Melbourne, Australia, 2 February 2025 -- On the Feast Day of Saint John Bosco, the Salesian Family, along with friends, invited guests, family members, and parishioners, gathered at Saint Margaret Mary Parish in Brunswick to honor the Solemnity of our beloved founder. This year, the celebration was particularly special as we also witnessed the Perpetual Profession of Religious Vows for Cl. Afia Enosa from Samoa, and Cl. Cirilo Julio Boavida from Timor-Leste.
The main celebrant for the occasion was Father Peter Hoang, our Provincial, who was joined by Salesian priests from various communities across Australia. In his homily, Father Peter emphasized the importance of commitment, reason, religion, and loving kindness, reminding the newly professed brothers of the values that guide their journey ahead. They have to stay focused on Don Bosco which is one of the foundations of their Perpetual profession to the Society of Saint Francis de Sales. They have to love and commit themselves to the charism of Don Bosco with a faithful and sincere heart.
During the Rite of Profession, Father Hoang presented the candle and the cross to both confreres as a sign of light and commitment forever. Brother Michael Harris and Father Cassius Correya were able to be witnesses for the perpetual professed brothers during the signing of forms.
To add to the celebration, the Holy Gospel and the offertory were welcomed in a traditional Samoan cultural scene. This heartfelt moment united both communities, along with family and friends who came together to join and take part in the celebration. Martin Vaifale and Miguel de Deus read the readings, while Pauline Miller, played by Brother Silao Moeloa Vaipuna, prepared the Litany of the Saints and the responsorial psalm.
The harmonious hymns prepared by the Samoan Choir (Salesian Rosary Group) further enriched the Eucharistic celebration, creating joyful moments that truly embodied the spirit of both the Feast of Don Bosco and the Perpetual Profession of our dear confreres.
Both confreres gave an emotional thank you speech after communion. They thanked all those who supported and prayed for them, Salesian confreres, lay people, invited guests, and those who took part in the celebration. Cl. Afia Enosa mentioned that “Choosing God, is Choosing Life! This is the life we have decided to live forever, to follow Jesus through the charism of Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello, No turning back! No turning back!”
After the celebration, invited guests, families, and Salesian family members gathered in the Parish Hall for light refreshments and entertainment.