(ANS – Suva) – The journey of the Rector Major in the Pacific islands, is going on. After a one day delay and three consecutive flights on May 6 (Honiara- Portavilla-Nadi-Suva), finally Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime arrived in Suva, the capital of Fiji Islands at 9 PM: it’s the first time that a Successor of Don Bosco reaches the Fiji Islands, sixteen years after starting of this presence.

In Fiji Islands there is a single Salesian Presence, of the Australian Province: a house of formation in the Fijian capital Suva, with theology and philosophy students residing with the novices. They engage in activities as oratory, Sunday catechism and social work.

Fr. Leuluai Taisali the Rector and the community members received Fr. Á.F. Artime, Fr. Václav Klement and Fr. Horacio López with great warmth.

The 7th of May 2015 began with a community celebration of lauds and a reflection preached by the Rector Major. He began the talk saying: “The whole day is there for us to live our Salesian fraternity which is essentially the ingredient of this visit. We are also united with the whole Salesian congregation at this moment with its common identity, universality and diversity.” Fr. Á.F. Artime said that a lot of concern was expressed by many members who inquired about our safety after the earthquake in PNG. The Rector Major shared some matters regarding the challenges that the congregation is facing as well as the Church too, particularly with regard to forming a pastoral heart.

There was a meeting with the formators stretching a long period of time during which matters related to formation, as indicated by Don Pascual Chávez, Rector Major Emeritus, were considered.

In the afternoon there was a common assembly during which Rector Major shared about the life of the congregation with regard to its success and challenges.

The moment of fraternity climaxed at the Eucharistic celebration presided by Archbishop Peter Loy Chong of Fiji Diocese. The Archbishop expressed great happiness in meeting the Rector Major and the visitors.

Based on the gospel of the day Fr. Á.F. Artime highlighted the essence of Christianity: love for each other weaved with examples from the tour around these islands. He thanked the communities in the islands for their warm hospitality, the fraternity they share through their simple way of life. A number of catholics from nearby, especially the Sunday school children attended the Mass.

After the Mass the visitors were received officially with the Kava ceremony. A great bond was established with the local community through signs and symbols which they performed with traditional fervour.

Published 07/05/2015