Samoa-Fiji

The Salesian presence in Samoa is 25 years old next year. In Fiji it is just 5 years old this year.
Both these works belong to the Australian Province of Mary Help of Christians (AUL)

Salesian Activity in Samoa:
The Samoa presence is characterized by several large institutional activities – two large parishes, one technical institute and the catechist training/pre-seminary training; Samoa is also characterized by vocational fruitfulness. There are 20 or more young Samoan Salesians at all levels of formation and even in positions of responsibility for formation. Through these activities, the young people who are influenced by Salesian education run into thousands.

Salesian Activity in Fiji:
There is just one formation community in Fiji. The presence to young people by those in formation is extensive and vibrant. The Fijian presence is characterized by the 'roving oratory' - a type of oratory that moves and adjusts its programmes to the places and situations where young people are found. The presence to the Major Seminary is also significant - 10 students and 2 staff members. The community in Fiji is also available for educational services to 10 local schools each with 500-700 students.

There are 14 Salesians in Samoa and 14 in Fiji, plus 6 novices. The novitiate this year is in Samoa (last year it was in Fiji). Fiji already has one candidate in the novitiate and a future pre-novice. More vocations in Fiji as in Samoa are expected soon.

The Salesian Family:
Samoa has other elements of the Salesian Family - the FMA in 2 locations with a further community in American Samoa (next door). It already has a past pupils association.
Fiji is working to establish the Salesian Family through the building up of the Don Bosco Movement, which is a combination of young lay leaders and their families. The vocations are coming from this group. From these will come Cooperators, it is hoped. Its core is about a dozen strong but its outreach runs into hundreds.

Addresses:
The Rector: Fr. John Murphy.
Don Bosco Technical Centre (note that this also includes the novitiate)
PO Box 124 Apia,
Samoa.
Phone: (685) 25 914
Fax (685) 21 768.
E mail: sdb.alafua@lesamoa.net

The Rector: Fr. Julian Fox,
Don Bosco House, Nakasi,
PMB Government Buildings,
Suva, Fiji Islands.
Phone (679) 3412046.
Fax (679) 3412334.
Email: sdbfiji@relpac.org.fj

Photo Credits:
Julian Fox, SDB (Fiji)
Jan Walenciej SDB (Samoa)