austraLasia #764
AUSTRALIA: JOYFUL GATHERING FOR FOUR FINAL PROFESSIONS
MELBOURNE: 1st December -- On Saturday, November 29, in a wonderful ceremony attended by Salesians, members of the Salesian family and a whole array of family and friends, four young Salesians of the Australian Province of Mary Help of Christians pronounced their final vows. The four young men, Will Matthews, Brian Ahern, Sefo Mulipola, Mika Luamanuvae, have travelled a long journey in more ways than one. Will originally joined the Salesian novitiate in Burma, and when his family migrated to Australia, he came with them and, on arrival, sought out the Salesians and began a second novitiate. Sefo and Mika are both from Samoa, and have done most of their formation in Australia. Brian is a local Melbourne man, who attended St Joseph's College, a secondary school under the direction of the Salesians in suburban Ferntree Gully.
The ceremony, held on a very hot afternoon in the Ferntree Gully Parish Church close to St Joseph's College, was marked by lively singing, a large congregation, some beautiful elements from the Samoan liturgical tradition, and a great spirit of joy and enthusiasm. The same joy was evident in the parish hall after the Mass, where everyone gathered for a feast where everything from Samoan taro to Indian curry puffs to good old Aussie pies was on offer. The commitment of the young men, the joy and beauty of the liturgy, and the enthusiasm of everyone present made it a great day for the Salesians and their many friends. We are hoping now that many young people present at the Profession might be inspired to listen for God's call and respond to it with the same courage and enthusiasm.
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'austraLasia' is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia-Pacific
'austraLasia' is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia-Pacific
