“The son of man did not come to be served, but to serve” Mt 20: 28

By: Derek P. Paiaaua

Suva, Fiji - 18 March 2025 -- On 14 March 2025, the Don Bosco Youth & Educational Centre in Nakasi was filled with joy and reverence as the community gathered to celebrate the ordination of two Samoan confreres, Lui Leiofi Sueina SDB, and Falefa Elia SDB to the ministry of diaconate. This important milestone marked their deep faith and dedication to serving God's call.

The ceremony, led by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of Suva, Fiji, was attended by family members from Samoa and abroad, friends, clergy, and parishioners. All came together to honor this significant step in the spiritual journey of Falefa and Lui.

The Eucharistic celebration began with a procession of priests and deacons, both local and from abroad, including the confreres’ formators, classmates, and lecturers from P.R.S.; and fellow Salesians from across the Pacific Delegation. In his homily, Bishop Peter Loy Chong emphasized the Pope's guidance for the Church to journey together. He reminded the ordinands of their mission to serve, not to be served, and outlined the tools for their service: Encounter, Listening, and Discernment.

The celebration was deeply moving, enhanced by the beautiful voices of our SJB parish youth choir. A highlight was the final blessing, where the bishop asked the congregation to raise their right hands in prayer as the new deacons knelt before them. Family and friends watched with pride and joy, offering heartfelt prayers and support.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Taisali Leulua’i SDB, delegate for the Pacific, thanked Archbishop Peter Loy Chong for presiding and expressed gratitude to the entire community for their presence. The hall was filled with prayers, hymns, joyful smiles, and tears of happiness as the community congratulated and blessed the new deacons.

Following the ordination, a vibrant reception began with a Sevusevu (a traditional Fijian ceremony) at the youth center. The gathering included heartfelt speeches, delicious seafood, and shared reflections on the day’s significance. The newly ordained deacons expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support they had received throughout their journey. Deacon Falefa shared in his vote of thanks, "This is not just our calling; it’s a journey shared with everyone who has prayed for us, guided us, and walked with us in faith. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

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