Salesian Sisters in the South Pacific Region

Bishop Capelli - from early despatches (GIZO, Solomon Islands : 22nd October 2007, austraLasia #1965)
(Due to the isolation of Gizo, our correspondent Ambrose Pereira sdb is still awaiting the filing of a report of the actual episcopal ordination. In the meantime we can report on the following, which refers to events both immediately after and before the event).

Capelli 4 A Solemn Eucharistic celebration was held at the Melanesian Spearhead Hall, Gizo on 21 October, 2007. The Eucharist was presided over by Joseph Cardinal Zen, bishop of Hong Kong , and in the presence of several bishops, priests, government officials, Catholics, overseas and local guests. The Eucharistic celebration was well prepared with the full participation of different groups and parishes of the Diocese of Gizo. A grand feast was prepared to celebrated the occasion with a variety of local ‘kaikai’. The variety entertainment lasted till late in the evening. Bishop Bernard O’Grady op, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the people of the Western province as he handed over charge to Bishop Luciano Capelli sdb, Bishop of Gizo.

Earlier, in another setting, this time in Honiara before departure for Gizo, the Archbishop of Honiara, Adrian Smith sm, welcomed Cardinal Zen: "We have the unique opportunity to thank the Chinese people for all the love and support given to the Church all through these years", he said, as he welcomed Joseph Cardinal Zen to Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara. He also thanked the immediate response of kindness and generosity of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, at the time of last year's outbreak of violence in the capital when mobs burned down many Chinese buildings and homes.

In his homily, Cardinal Zen expressed his contentment at the spirit of joy, happiness and holiness evident in the response and singing at the Eucharist. He was also appreciative of the freedom the country offers for persons to express their faith.

TAGIO TUMAS – Bishop-elect Capelli (CCS 207 - 98 - Terube Terawasi )

‘ Capelli 1 Tangio Tumas’ were words that formed the background on the stage at Don Bosco Technical School , Henderson . Salesians, staff, students and parents filled the hall to say thank you and bid farewell to former Rector, Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb. The Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration and entertainment commenced at 8am on the 18th October, 2007. The celebration focused on: gratitude and thanks for life as Fr. Capelli turned 61; thanksgiving for the Don Bosco Technical School , Henderson and Congratulations to him as he will be consecrated as Bishop of Gizo on 21st October, 2007.

Symbols and gifts brought up in procession were – a house, a dictionary, a Tool box, a Computer keyboard, Bible and candles, a staff, Betel nut, coconut shoot and shell money necklace. Each of these symbolized the different departments and trades of the school, in the midst of Solomon Islands . At the homily, Fr. Capelli shared his joy of having persons receive an education and a trade and make changes in themselves and their lives. He also shared his disappointments at youngsters making tools that will cause destruction to themselves, life and property. ‘Honesty is what is required to succeed’, stressed Bishop Elect Capelli during the Eucharistic Celebration.

The entertainment commenced with the Sr Home Economics girls dressed in their national costumes, dancing with the birthday cake. Words of appreciation and thanks were shared by representatives of the different groups – staff, Capelli 2 past pupils, students, parents and Saleisans. Gifts of appreciation and thanks and a plaque with an image of the school and a variety of building materials were given to the Bishop-elect. Different classes staged well prepared items. Two plaques were unveiled – one dedicating the Indoor Hall to Servant of God Fr. Gisuppe Quadrio sdb and the other appreciating the joint efforts of the Salesians, European Union, Italian Volunteers, Pilipino craftsmen, Solomon Islands workmen and all those who have contributed to construct Don Bosco School, Henderson.

During feasting at lunch time, more custom dances were performed by different classes which delighted the audience, in particular, the overseas guests. The programme concluded with a farewell song sung by students which brought tears and emotions to Bishop Elect Luciano Capelli as well as to those present. Present for the occasion were Mrs. Linda Capelli the mother of Bishop Elect Luciano Capelli, guests from overseas, volunteers, parents and friends.

The Episcopal Ordination is scheduled for 21st October, 2007 in Gizo.

Solomon Islands News (Mamma Margherita Community 5 Nov 2008) - At the beginning of October it had been announced that the new Rector of the school would have been Fr. Ambrose Pereira. He is also in charge of the Catholic Communication of the Diocese. The new administrator would have been Fr Albert and he is also the Spiritual Director of the school. As usual, when there is a change there is also fear, doubt, discontent, especially because a person like Fr. Luciano, the former Rector, was loved by everybody. We Sisters are dealing with this situation, trying to mediate between the students, staff, Salesians and the workers as well. It is true that one of the main tasks of a woman is to be mediator of peace, and we are happy to do it, even if it can be difficult, but with your prayerful support, we are coping very well with this “work”!

The 7th of October in the school we have had the WYD preparation Mass. Two times a month, in different parishes and catholic schools of Honiara , there is a special Mass for the youth in preparation of the WYD in Sydney . The young people of the parish or the students are in charge to animate this Mass and the celebrant has to highlight the theme of the WYD. We had the Mass in the gym and to be sincere we didn’t expect many people, first of all because it wasn’t announced anywhere…not even in the Cathedral at the Sunday before, secondly, because we aren’t a parish so no people around our compound use to come for Sunday Mass, and lastly our students have difficulty to get the money for the daily bus fare, imagine to come on Sunday too!!! Notwithstanding these negativities we prepared a solemn Mass, with actions, songs, dances, symbols, practicing almost every day and encouraging our students to come and to bring their relatives too. That Sunday the gym was fully packed!!! What a satisfaction!!! And everything was perfect, enjoyable and prayerful. We had a program of dances after Mass to entertain the people and before to dismiss everybody, something to eat. Evviva Don Bosco!!!

The second big event was the farewell for Fr. Luciano, the 18th of October. The whole school was busy to prepare something for him, to show him their love and appreciation. That day too the gym was fully packed and the Mass was worthy of St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome !!! Guest of honour: the mother of Fr. Luciano, Mrs Linda Capelli, just arrived from Italy with a big group of volunteers for the next Episcopal ordination. So she enjoyed the feast of the young people of her son, those he rescued from no future, no dreams. The main event of the farewell was the “dancing cake”. It happened that the day after was his birthday so the Home Economics teachers made a big, huge birthday cake, brought to the Rector with dancing girls…what cheers and claps!!! Fr Lucaino in his homely shared with us his happy and sad moments in his Solomons’ mission, encouraging us to be always happy and strong to face life, united and supporting one another as true brothers and sisters. No tears fell down from his eyes that day, but the day after he broke down, when he was about to leave for Gizo (his new Diocese) and the students lined up at the gate to shake hands one by one, and the warriors (students in disguise, ready every time to welcome the guests coming from overseas) shouting and running followed the car that brought him to the airport.

The small delegation of students, led by two teachers, was present to the Episcopal ordination of their beloved former Rector on the Sunday, 21st of October at Gizo. We Sisters went with the “big people” on the plane: Cardinal Zen, four bishops and several Salesians. The celebration took place in the market shelter, close to the wharf…nice scenery!!! Three hours not tiring at all, where tradition of the Church and tradition of Solomon Islands joined together in a wonderful and prayerful way. Fr Luciano was tensed at the beginning but little by little we could see the work of the Holy Spirit and his big capacity of trusting in the Lord to let him too enjoyed the feast. The mother was crying from the beginning to the end (to be sincere we as well!!!) and the words of Cardinal Zen addressed to the new Bishop were that to be Bishop is to serve the flock as Jesus the Good Shepherd taught us. After the celebration there was the program and food (of course) at the Cathedral’s court yard (the Cathedral is still not accessible after the earthquake and tsunami of the 2nd of April). We couldn’t participate to the complete feast because our plane was waiting for us (and the big people!) to bring us home that very day.

Next big event it’ll be the school graduation….we are already working on it but it’ll take place on the 23rd for November…and it’ll be another story to tell you!!!

For now we stop and we’ll send another message with some pictures….sorry for those who cannot download and enjoy for those who can!!!

Solomons’ greetings to all of you!!!

The oratory finds a home in “Bobo’s field” (Srs Sialei & Anna Maria; Sr Maureen (ed.), Solomon Islands - 21 Sep) You already know that we Salesians are not satisfied with just doing nothing! So it is that along with the work of the technical school we thought that something distinctly Salesian was missing...the Oratory!
There are many children and young people in the city who have no parish and when we asked our students what they did on Sunday, they answered: “Nothing. We hang around, we sit here and there to chat, we drink, and we get into trouble...! ” So we thought that there would be nothing better than an oratory to gather these young people, have them play, speak with them, have activities that will give them some motivation for the week since many of them do not go to school and do not work!
Having taken the decision, we went in search of a field. In Honiara there are several abandoned placed in the heart of the city so we had only the difficulty of a choice. The place that immediately inspired us as soon as we saw it is right in the centre, near the fruit and vegetable market of the port...and nothing less than the Catholic, Anglican and Methodist cathedrals!
It is bordered on two sides by the Metanico River (very polluted because it passes through one of the most highly populated shantytowns of the capital. The third side is on the border with the municipal library and the fourth is near a road...ideal so that we will not have suspicious people sneak in. Once we made our choice, we went looking for the owner. He calls himself Bobo, and is half German and half Solomon Islander, the proprietor of a large hardware shop and a few others little business ventures, one of which is the raising of chickens. When we went to speak with him to see if he would be willing to lend us his land on Sundays, he had a list of questions for us about who we were and what the word “oratory” meant. He immediately liked the idea because he and his wife had been wondering what to do with that property, how to make the best use of it since it was so large and not good for building. In giving us his full approval, he asked us if we needed some inside structure. We dared to ask for two restrooms, one for male and one for female. “Why not showers, too,” he said,” since the children with come from the shantytowns they certainly will not have the possibility to wash themselves decently. ” Seeing that we were in perfect harmony we dared to go further. “It would also be helpful to have a lean-to for when it rains or for indoor activities...” Practically, we could build along the whole side that leads to the library! Then we dared still further...” It would be nice if along the river there could be some brick barbeque pits for the families who bring their children. While they play, the parents could cook something for them.”
This, too, met with approval! Upon hearing of our plans, even the employees of the ironworks, hardware factory were happy and said: “Finally we have a place to bring our children on Sunday!”
After having received the approval of the bishop, we bought balls and ropes and started the experiment (because at the moment it is still in the experimental stage since the structures are still lacking.
One Friday afternoon, before the end of the school day, we announced to our students: “If you don’t have anything to do on Sunday, come to Bobo’s field and bring your friends!” On the first Sunday there were more than one hundred and gradually the number has been increasing!
In the afternoon, toward three-thirty (at that time the sun is not as hot) we leave in our car (which is a type of jeep) and reach the place. We park in a field, under a tree and open the rear door where we have stored the bags of balls and the games began. For now we only have free play and not organized games because we are still getting to know the place and make it known to the young people. The trunk of the jeep is a hold-all for all the young people’s belongings: bottles of water, purses and knapsacks, sweaters and hats...shoes (because here shoes are used only for walking. When one plays, it is barefoot...obviously!)
Some sit on the edge of the trunk and listen to music. Since we do not have poles for the volleyball net, the open door serves to hold one end while the other is tied a pole. And if it rains? No problem…we get wet and the raised trunk door is a roof for the older children while the little ones crowd inside while they wait for the shower to pass! There is a rickety swing that Bobo had installed with the hope of transforming the field into type of game park and a castle for the smallest children, firmly cemented to the ground, like to two soccer poles...if they don’t vanish into thin air! The two poles for the volleyball net, instead, are guarded by one of the father who brings them, plants them in the ground and takes them away each Sunday!
It is really beautiful to see so many children and young people coming to play with us. We enjoy ourselves enormously and in the evening no one wants to leave until the last moment, until the last goal.
As soon as Bobo returns from his business trip abroad, the work will begin and then everything will be even more interesting. The only problem is the balls! The soccer balls, volleyballs and basketballs here are bought in the Chinese stores, little stores where you find everything from cans of tuna fish to artificial flowers, from hammers to screwdrivers, but the balls are decidedly of poor quality. On the second Sunday they already started to fall apart (and the children play in bare feet!). Therefore, we must replace them continually or have something decent come from Australia! One Sunday it happened that when we arrived at the field, where we usually parked there were two fellows stretched out asleep. The children immediately told us that they were two drunks who were sleeping off a binge. They told us that they were not dangerous, and so we began our games, ignoring them. They continued in their deep sleep, notwithstanding the noise that we made with cries and whistles and at a certain point they disappeared. We Sisters thought that they had left, but when it was time to get in the car to leave, we saw them again, fast asleep a little further out in the higher grass.
We Sisters want to dedicate the oratory to Mickey Magone, one of Don Bosco’s boys, a gang leader, a boy of the streets, who was transformed into one of the best students and animators of the oratory by the love and attention and educational environment at the oratory. He died young, and has always been held to be a model of the efficacy of the Salesian educational system. We hope that many Mickey Magones who are coming to “Bobo’s field” will be able to find a healthy environment that will help them to discover the hidden treasures in their hearts and will help them to build their own future.
It is still to be created and experimented, but we can already see a few of our students who commit themselves to helping the little ones to play, and this is a sign of great hope for us.
I leave you with our dream that is gradually taking shape and form and it is beautiful and a source of enthusiasm to be able to grow together with our young people. We ask you, too, to help us with your prayers and encouragement, and, if you have nothing to do on Sunday, come to Bobo’s field and bring your friends.
Ciao to all and have a good week!
Sr. Sialei and Anna Maria

The SYC Retreat Camp has finished successfully (Sr Thuy-Linh - 28 Sep). After months of planning and preparation and barely a week since the celebration of the Moon Festival, nearly 20 leaders and potential leaders of the Salesian Youth Club (SYC) together with two mums and Sr Thuy-Linh gathered together again at Dromana for more training and, of course... fun! Email exchange before the Camp showed that many leaders "could not wait"! SYC With more than half of the team being junior leaders, the main purpose of this Camp was to train them for the running of our Sunday activities in our parish at Brunswick. The Camp was typical "salesian" with "Good Mornings" and "Good Nights", fun activities, prayers and mass. It was very well planned out from morning until night with activities and inputs in five major areas:

Motivation
Running activities for different age groups
Teamwork
Don Bosco's Preventive System
Dealing with misbehaving children

Saturday night was the highlight of the camp with the presence of Fr Anthony Quang sdb, Parish Priest, Sr Marguerite Nguyen fma, and many members of the Parish Council. We had a simple but meaningful Mass celebration, and a lovely meal that was, guess what, cooked by the leaders themselves! (Of course the food was already mostly marinated by the two mums! - It would be too risky otherwise :-)) Most specially, the night was to celebrate the birthdays - or rather "birth-months" :-) of FIVE leaders and the TWO mums - happening to be precisely the two who were helping us in the camp! (A very nice coincidence!) A HUGE birthday cake and gifts were presented and wishes read from the BIG card, as the leaders, all dressed up in colourful costumes, lined up to SYC sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY - "Dromana style". (You MUST come to a Don Bosco Camp if you do not yet know this HAPPY BIRTHDAY song in Dromana style! :-) ) Birthday girls and boys and guests were then invited to the theatre for the performance of the SYC "Backstreet Girls and Spicy Boys", which was commented by the audience that "it had stolen the stage!" (laughed). After theatre was the big game "Gold Rush", that attracted both little children who came with their parents, and the parents themselves! Of course the children would not want to go home! And pressed on to stay for Evening Prayer and Good Night... although could not stay longer for the camp fire... Sunday morning, and then afternoon seemed to come too soon... In the final evaluation session, everyone expressed appreciation of each other's great spirit of teamwork and collaboration, and leadership, although there was a need to manage time better (ie., go to bed earlier!).

I have been amazed before to see how some of these leaders helped our parish in the very early day with the hard work of building the Thien An Education Centre. And I continue to see them maturing through this long-term commitment with the SYC, although not without struggles. I could not thank God enough for allowing my life to cross with the lives of these young people. A strongly committed leader shares with me, that although he has to spend a lot of time for the Club, he never regrets it, and he has found himself change a lot for the positive since working with the SYC. I know deep in my heart that if at some stage, this young person has to part the SYC for his own life, its positive influence will be long lasting. It is all but God's work, for which I never cease to give thanks!

Sr Jo's 50 years of profession

Sr Jo 50

HAPPY HOLIDAY! (Sr Anna Maria, the Solomon Islands, 10 July) - In the month of June a group of students of the Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson-Honiara, spent three weeks of the school holidays at Simbo, one of the islands most affected by last April’s earthquake and tsunami. The purpose of the holiday mission was to build two classrooms at the secondary school washed away by the tsunami, to give some trauma counselling and to organize games and activities for the children.

The three groups were led by the teacher of carpentry, Sr Sonia and Sr Anna Maria. The Simbo people were amazed to see the ability and professionalism with which the carpenters used tools and machinery under the direction of their teacher. In three weeks they were able to complete the building and the people called it “the memory of Don Bosco”. The counselling group went to the villages to meet men and women, who shared their experiences, their feelings and the fears they are still living. For the men the big worry was to rebuild the houses. Simbo, even though it is covered by bush, hasn’t got good wood for building, so there was not enough timber for everybody and many families were still living in tents. For the women the big fear was to leave the children and to go away to their gardens and plantations. They were not able to stay far away for the whole day as they had done before. We were impressed by the great faith of this people: despite their struggles they strongly believe that God is with them as their hope and strength in daily life.

The children themselves were not going around freely as before, in fact the games and activities group had to go to the villages, a different one every day. The children seemed serene and the leaders enjoyed being with them. As they approached the appointed village a bell rang to call the “pikinini”. All flocked to the meeting tent and the program got under way with song, action songs, drawings, jokes…and games, of course!!! Often the adults stayed too and watched what that sister and the leaders were doing with their children and the laughing grew even louder!!! After only a week we could hear, here and there, children’s voices singing our songs!

The people of Simbo were grateful for our presence there, not only for the jobs we were doing, but just because we were there, sharing our time and lives with them, in simplicity and fraternity. Going with the students assured the success of the mission. As one of the missionary dreams of Don Bosco tells, the Salesian missionaries could enter villages where other missionaries were rejected because young people led the way. Our students in fact were very simple in their friendship and happiness, in their commitment and playfulness. Now, Don Bosco’s name is on the lips of everybody and the young people of Simbo are dreaming of becoming “Bosconians”.

At the same time as the Don Bosco mission was happening at Simbo, other teachers with Sr Sialei and students had their own mission in Honiara for the people of Simbo. About 60 students went back to Don Bosco Technical Institute in the holidays to make things to bring on the next trip to Simbo in December. In three weeks they made desks and chairs for the school, uniforms for the students of Simbo and drums-ovens for the families.

Sr Anna Maria reflected on the experience like this: How did we Salesian Sisters motivate the students? With our true FMA charism! Our simple active cheerfulness and joyful presence among them. Our great interest in them, affirming their potential and acknowledging the great outcome of their daily work! Simple as that!!! I enjoyed every moment of it and I learnt a great lesson from these very simple young people of being committed in little things!
When young people are challenged, their generosity can amaze us all!

Youth Matters Update (Sr Faye, Engadine NSW - 18 June) It is six months since I started at Youth Matters and so much has happened. At the moment we are in the process of organising a fundraise, the file "SHREK3" to raise money to participate in WYD08. This fundraiser will be held at Cronulla Cinemas on Monday 25 June. On Sunday 24 June we are planning a Vision Day, we have invited past Youth Matters Coordinators to come along to give us some of their valuable insights, in formulating a vision statement for Youth Matters 2007. Promoting WYD is well under way. At Youth Matters we are preparing to welcome the Cross and the Icon of Our Lady which will arrive in Sydney on 1 July. We will be priviledged to venerate them in St Alysious at Cronulla on the 22.12.07. (There will be a youth festival at Cronulla beach. The cross and icon will not come to Engadine - correction by Sr Faye) . Youth Matters applies for grants for different projects. Woolworths gave a donation to buy some needed items for the Youth Matters house.

World Youth Day Cross has arrived in Moamoa, Samoa (Moamoa News 8 Jun) - Two photos of when

the World Youth Cross came to Moamoa Samoa. These two photos were taken when the Chanel College School where Srs Lavalea and Paula are teaching were participated in receiving the WYC on the 2nd of May 2007 at 9 oclock in the morning. The first photo is a photo of Sr. Lavalea with some school girls and the second photo is the one of Sr. Paula with the school secretary in front of the truck that carried the cross and the icon of our Lady from parish to parish.

Sr Sarah's Golden Jubillee

Feast Day of Mary Help of Christians (Sr Anna Maria fma, the Solomon Islands - 01 June) - We have had great celebrations in Henderson for Mary Help of Christians. The organizing committee asked every class to prepare something to honour our Lady and for the all week we had practices of songs etc. in every corner of the school. It was wonderful to have lessons with Marian songs in the background. Sr Sialei taught the senior Home Economics girls some action songs and a gospel play. By 24th May everybody was ready and we started with the “Good day” talk of Sr Sialei about Mary and Maria Mazzarello, followed by a procession with the statue of Mary Our Help carried by four students, all around the compound of the school. During the procession the “Bosconians” were singing “O Help of Christians”. The Eucharist was celebrated in the gym. After a short break the entertainment started! We sisters were surprised to see how many Marian songs are known in the Solomon Islands, where the Catholic Christians are in the minority. There was even a song in Latin! Many classes performed some episodes of the life of Mother Mary, and it was very funny to see Mother Mary with muscles and a moustache!!! In the wedding of Cana play to express the joy of the spouses for the new wine they put on modern music and danced… Mary as well!! We think that Our Lady laughed from heaven with them. As usual the girls’ items were more sensitive and creative than the boys’. After the teachers sang “Sweet Name of Mary” led by Sr Anna Maria, everybody received a pen. They were incredibly happy with this gift, thanks to the Sisters in Australia that sent us a lot of pens last month. Don Bosco promised that every child who came to our houses would be under the protection of Our Lady. We believe that our students occupy a special place in the heart of Mary. Every time we come to know more about their lives and the incredible struggles they face in order to study and keep out of trouble, we put them in Mary’s hands. She is their Mother and she is helping us too to find ways to accompany them and show her love for them.

The construction of our house in the Solomon Islands is progressing. Here are some new images...

House and gate

veranda

Veranda

Parlatory and chapel

Laundry and storeroom

Together

Celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary of the presence of the Salesian Sisters in Samoa

25year-group

The SPR (South Pacific Region) province of the Salesian Sisters rejoiced on Saturday 21 April to mark the 25th anniversary of the presence of the Salesian Sisters in Samoa.

April was chosen as the month to celebrate this most auspicious occasion since the first FMA arrived in Samoa on 26 April 1982. The formal day to mark the event was Saturday 21 April with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop Alapati L. Mataeliga held at the St. Anthony’s Church, Moamoa, the place where the first FMA community began their work in Samoa. The many guests invited for the occasion were a representative of the Samoan government in a member of the Council of Deputies, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi; the Director of Catholic Education, Mr. Chris Hazelman; Fr. Petelo Pa’u, Rector of the Salesian community and all SDB confreres, all diocesan clergy; Religious Sisters, Brothers and Priests; the Rector of the Moamoa Theological College, Fr. Kolio Kelekolio and all catechists and seminarians; parents and relatives of the Salesian Sisters, novices and the pre-novice; the many benefactors who have assisted the Sisters over 25 years; the teaching staff at St. Joseph’s, Leauva’a; young people from schools, youth and parish groups, boarders and past boarders, Children of Mary, young women from the Come and See Programs and the CONUS group (Catholic Organisation-National University of Samoa). The first four FMA were also invited but none of them could attend because of their own commitments as FMA now living all around the FMA world. However three FMA from Australia Srs. Patricia McCusker, Maureen Irvine and Jennifer Doudle, who had worked in Samoa in past years, were present representing all FMA, novices and the pre-novice in Australia. Sr. Edna Mary Mac Donald also came from Australia for this major event in the province.
Sr. Edna Mary gave a sincere welcome to all just before the Eucharistic celebration began. As she welcomed all present she focused on the words of Mother Antonia, the Congregational Leader of the Salesian Sisters, who had sent Sr. Edna Mary the greetings to mark this significant event in the province. Mother Antonia stated that the seeds sown 25 years ago had certainly born fruit over the years. She invited all present to continue to sow seeds of hope in a world that sometimes loses sight of lasting values and authentic and joyful living.

p The Archbishop’s homily centred on the theme of the covenant of love which God established with His people from ancient times till now. It was fitting that the Archbishop selected this theme since all FMA in the Institute are presently depthing this theme through study and reflection on the FMA constitutions. The Archbishop also referred to the Gospel reading (John 15:9-17) on the central theme of God’s love for all and each one’s response to that call whether married, religious, priest or single. At the end of the Eucharist the archbishop thanked the Salesian Sisters for their love for the Archdiocese of Samoa and their valuable work in the field of education and asked all to continue their prayers for an increase of religious vocations in the Church.

All fifteen FMA present from the three communities in the Samoan Islands and from Australia were actively involved in some part of the Eucharistic celebration and the present boarders of Moamoa prepared a liturgical dance during the thanksgiving after Communion. The singing was lead by the catechists of the Moamoa Theological College and sung in three languages Samoan, Latin and English. At the end of the Eucharistic celebration Sr. Paula Vitale gave a formal ‘thank you’ to all the distinguished guests and invited all to share a meal together at the FMA residence at Moamoa.

The wonderful dinner was organised by the FMA Moamoa community and assisted by the present and past boarders of Moamoa. Entertainment was given throughout lunch and consisted in a short presentation of the history of the foundation of the FMA presence in Samoa and the development of that presence over the 25 years. Sr. Kathleen Hanna gave that presentation which was translated into Samoan by Sr. Sesilia Sala. The main points of Sr. Kathleen’s presentation centred on the dreams Don Bosco had about the Pacific Islands and the call he heard to take care of these young people too. Part of this dream has been actualised over the past 25 years by the Salesian Sisters and the past 28 years by the Salesian Fathers and Brothers. It was at the invitation of the late Cardinal Pio Taofinu’u, of revered memory, that the FMA were invited to Samoa. Srs. Anna Ivaldi and Sr. Christina Swan made a first visit to Samoa in 1981 and liked what they experienced. The foundation was then established a year later. The first three FMA to form the FMA community were Srs. Mary Tracey from England, Sr Elda Pietrobon from Italy and Sr. Yolanda Bati from the Philippines. The three FMA took up residence at Moamoa, Samoa to assist at the Moamoa Theological College which at that time was administered by the Salesian Fathers and Brothers. The Sisters were asked to be responsible for the young women who were studying at the Moamoa Theological College. Sr. Sialei Puapuaga and Sr. Matalena Leota were the first Samoan FMA vocations from that group of young women. In 1983 Sr. Zenaida Dimaculangan, also from the Philippines, joined the community. These four FMA became the pioneer group of FMA till other FMA joined them from Australia and other countries around the world. Gratitude goes to the SDB who supported the Sisters right from the beginning of foundation and to the priests of the diocese, the Samoan people and the religious who welcomed the Sisters. In a special way the Sisters are indebted to the SMSM Sisters who walked with the Salesian Sisters in the beginning of their journey in Samoa.

In 1985 the Sisters took over the administration of the St. Joseph’s School at Leauva’a. In 1990 the work with boarders at Moamoa became a necessity. Girls attending the Senior School and who lived far from Apia, requested to board with the Sisters. In 2002 a group of FMA from Samoa formed a community in Lepua, American Samoa administering the Marist-St. Francis Elementary School. Thanks was given for the financial support of the province to the three communities in the Samoan islands over the years. It was also noted that in the past 25 years God has blessed the Salesian Sisters with Samoan vocations. Sr. Sialei Puapuaga became the first Samoan FMA and is now community leader of a new presence in the Solomon Islands. Sr. Kathleen’s presentation ended with asking God’s continual blessing upon Samoa, the Church and its people and praying that Mary, the Help of Christians, would continue to be guide and teacher.

Throughout the entertainment the present boarders of Moamoa presented a variety of Samoan dances which were executed with great precision and grace. Present and past boarders were invited to speak to all and express their experience and gratitude for all that the Sisters had and are offering them. Significantly on this day the Association of Past Boarders of Moamoa was launched. This association will assist the past boarders to periodically come together and meet to strengthen the bonds that already exist among them and deepen their commitment as Christians and citizens of Samoa now and into the future.

At the cutting of the cake Sr. Edna Mary invited all the FMA present and a representative from each family of the Samoan FMA, novices and pre-novice to come around the cake and assist in cutting it. This was done to show appreciation not only for the presence of the FMA in Samoa for the past 25 years but to honour and thank the families of those whose daughters were FMA or on the journey of becoming FMA.

At the end of the entertainment Sr. Sesilia called on the representative of the Samoan government, Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi to say a few words to all. He was honoured to do so and stated that he had experienced a real spiritual event and that the task before us all was to give society, both in word and in witness, lasting values. In true Samoan style all the Sisters were then invited to end the entertainment joining in in a traditional Samoan dance.

A TV station, TV3, videoed some of the Eucharistic celebration and the entertainment that followed. Sr. Edna Mary was also interviewed and asked to summarise what the event meant for the Sisters and the Church in Samoa. Sr. Matalena Leota, the second Samoan FMA to make FMA profession was also interviewed and asked about her journey with the congregation. The boarders were included and shared their experiences living with the Sisters at Moamoa. That evening significant parts of TV3’s video were presented on the television.

In so many ways and by so many people, the whole day expressed a great sense of deep gratitude to God and to all present for the story and the journey of the Salesian Sisters in Samoa over the past 25 years. Don Bosco’s dream has definitely been achieved and the dreaming of caring for the young will certainly continue into the future in the heart of Polynesia, Samoa!

A day of joyous celebration - World Youth Day Cross and Icon in Auki , Solomon Islands (Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Catholic Communications Solomons)

“We give witness to the love of God in his suffering and death”, said Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki as he addressed the pilgrims that had come to venerate the cross and Icon of our Lady and spend the day in prayer, reflection and celebration. Recalling the theme of Pope John Paul II ‘Go out into the Deep’, he reminded the people to put their heart and soul into whatever they were doing, even if it were the simple task fishing, gardening, etc. “Christian joy is sharing God’s love, reaching out to the lost sheep and bringing the Gospel to others. Staying close to Mary gives us that possibility”, he said.

Over a thousand pilgrims arrived from Buma, Ususue, Kwallakwalla, Dala, Rokera, Rohinari and other villages across Malaita to pray at the fot of the cross on 13th April, 2007. Many made the long journey on foot while several paddled their way across for several hours. The Lilisiana panpipe group and girls from the New Kuloka youth welcomed the cross with ‘glannuy’ (garlands) and traditional Malaitan ‘shell money’. The Stations of the Cross led by parish youth groups then followed. Believers braved the heat of the sun during the two hour veneration of the Cross and the Icon together with people from other denominations who joined in the celebrations. A Catechesis session with the aid of the wall paintings enabled Bishop Chris Cardone op give the congregation a deeper understanding of the sacraments. Fr. Joe Kizito and the team highlighted HIV-AIDS, while Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb animated the session on Life. A joyous Eucharistic celebration led by the Radesifolaemae and Kwailao youth at which the parish priests of the Diocese of Auki were present was celebrated by Bishop Chris Cardone op. The programme was organized by Ben Labusia and John Fadama and supported by the parish priests of the Diocese of Auki.

Earlier, 45 youth and animators accompanied the Cross and the Icon on its journey by sea to Auki. Transport was provided by Hon. Steve. ‘Ivuselelo’, (Awakening the Spirit) led by Fr. Joseph Kizito enabled the travelers share on how the ‘Good News’ has touched their lives and their experience of living it. The journey also had its time of prayer and sharing.

The Cross and the Icon are now on a visit to the parishes in the West of Guadalcanal.

Update on the Solomon Islands - the 4th message from Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara - HONIARA Good Friday 6 Apr - Once again we are back at: “Sorry, the number you called is temporally out of service”. It would be much more honest if they would say: ‘Again out of service!’ I called Bishop Bernard O'Grady a number of times only to get a screech or the above message.

Facts and figures, you probably know I much as I do, perhaps more. 24 dead, some are now saying 30, the number of those unaccounted for over 100. 900 homes down, 5,000 homeless. Many wounded, 12 have arrived in Honiara and are in the National Referral Hospital . They have an emergency plan; they expect this figure to increase. Prime Minister pledges Five Million Solomon Dollars to the relief programme. Simbo Wreckage

The tsunami did hit some islands of Papua New Guinea , (five Killed?), Milan Bay Province , I understand. In Bougainville they felt the earthquake and there are small effects of the Tsunami. I think a wharf in Buin has suffered.

The Catholic Church Station, Nila in the Shortlands has suffered more than I reported earlier. It seems St. Ann ’s Training Centre is badly hit. In fact the whole Shortlands story is worse than I had reported in earlier reports. Perhaps Gizo is getting more attention than other places and the patchy news we were getting from other places now seems to be coming together. Choiseul it would now appear to have more serious destruction than first reported.

Munda airport is open. I had a call from an Australian Radio about Easter in Solomon Islands and the tsunami. I tried to give them the feeling of the situation, but the question about Easter Eggs threw me. They’d melt around here!

Facts, figures, statistical-data everyone is hungry for them. They are important, but the mood of the people in Solomon Islands is perhaps more important. Holy Thursday celebrated in Honiara with joy in a background of pain. Good Friday, the Stations of the Cross were dramatized from the Honiara Market to Holy Cross this morning starting 7.30 am. When we arrived at the Hill in Holy Cross where they enacted the Crucifixion, perhaps the minds of many were as much in the Western Solomons as on Calvary . The darkness of fear, the sense of helplessness and the anxiety for news about loved one hangs over our people.

Chief Samson Gui thanked Salesians

A Salesians of Don Bosco initiative assisted by Caritas Australia has chartered a ship to take relief to the west. 200 x cartons of 1.5 litre bottles of water, 170 x 15 litre bottle water, 500 x 20 Kg bags of rice, 60 bales of mixed clothing, 50 cartons x family size Taiyo (Canned Fish), 1000 treated mosquito bed nets. 10 x 5 litre cooking pots, 3 x 20 litre cooking pots, 10 bales cooking salt, 10 bales sugar, 5 cartons tea, 3 x 3,000 litre water tanks. Before leaving the ship hoped to receive an open amount of the following: Kettles, Saucepans, Clothesline Rope, spoons, flour, cooking oil, bed sheets, batteries, torches, candles, matches, bath soap, laundry soap, towels, bush knives, kerosene lamps, cups, plates, canvas and wheelbarrows. Chartering of the ship could cost SBD 60,000.00.

Sonia helps Lenaga

In all Churches on Easter Sunday there will be a special collection for the Tsunami Victims. The news is going around that the scientists are saying within two weeks another big quake. Dear Lord spare us!

I am not able to tell you if they were able to have any kind of Holy Thursday or Good Friday Liturgies in Gizo. Perhaps fear to come down to the shorefront and fear as to the safety of the Cathedral made it a very quiet time for them all. Their cup is overflowing.

At the request of Bishop Bernard O'Grady op, Bishop of Gizo, a Diocese of Gizo Tsunami Account has been opened at the Chancery office, Archdiocese of Honiara . It is discretionary fund to be used by the Bishop of Gizo.

The details of the account are:

    Name of the bank:         National Bank of Solomon Islands Ltd.
    Address of the Bank:     P. O. Box 37 , Honiara G.P.O., Solomon Islands
    Name of the Account:    Diocese of Honiara Special Purpose A/C
    Account Number:          01-902 456 - 0301 3

We shall appreciate that you send in your remittance details giving as much details as possible. Please follow up your donation with an e-mail.

Please keep the Western Solomons in your prayer, the healing of hearts and the ridding themselves of fear is at the very heart of the Easter Message. I hope they are able to light an Easter Candle in Gizo.

+Adrian Smith sm

Initial Formation Weekend - MELBOURNE 30 Mar (SPR news) -

The Initial Formation Weekend at Dromana has completed in a joyful spirit. The weekend, started with a rich sharing about CULTURE by the novices and Sr Edna Mary, continued on to depth on personal planning, a topic shared during Everybody

our recent Province Assembly. There were prayerful moments and moments of serious thinking and discussion, as well as times for enjoying nature and each other's company. Some highlights were probably the dramatisation of Socrates' words and... "May I" - a popular "salesian game" that hardly lacks in these events... The Initial Formation Weekend is an initiative of Sr Edna Mary and Sr Helen to give on-going formation to young Sisters, novices, postulants and candidates. This year we also welcome Iris, a VIDES volunteer among us!

FMA Worldwide Feast of Gratitude - PÉTION-FILLE, HAITI 26 Apr 07 (FMA news) - It is a tradition that every year all Salesian Sisters celebrate the Feast of Gratitude to thank each other, and in a special way their leaders. This year the Mother Antonia, Mother General of the whole Institute, will celebrate this Feast day in Pétion-Ville, Haiti on 26 April. The theme of the celebration is "UNITE WITH US... IN FAVOUR OF LIFE AND HOPE". Let us rejoice with Mother Antonia and the whole Institute on this special day!

UNITE WITH US...
IN FAVOUR OF LIFE AND HOPE