By Afia Enosa, SDB

       Suva, Fiji Islands, 15 April 2021 -- The Salesian Family in Fiji gathered last week on Friday, 9 February 2021. This was the second gathering since the group was formed last year and was unable to meet again due to the pandemic restrictions and cyclones that passed over Fiji. There were about twenty participants of young people and adults. The program began with Evening Prayer and a shared meal contributed by all.

       The first part of evening focused on – How do adults see young people today? How do young people see themselves today? The participants were divided into two groups, adults and the young with all the Salesian confreres joining in one of the groups. Initially, the sharing was tentative and then it took-off into a lively and honest sharing.

       One of the participants voiced her opinion on what is happening around her own environment. She said: “For me I can see that the lack of dialogue is a major problem in my family and culture”.

       In the second part of the evening, the presentation consisted of young people in the 19th century, and Don Bosco’s response to the plight of young people in his time and society.

       To continue this service of love for the young, Don Bosco, through the inspiration of the Spirit and guidance of our Blessed Mother founded:

       - the community of Brothers and Priests, the Salesians of Don Bosco

       - together with Mother Mary Domenica Mazzarello, the community of religious women, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

       Both Don Bosco and Mary Mazzarello could not have helped the young without the help of many dedicate and generous lay people, benefactors and volunteers. From these many lay people, Don Bosco also founded the Association of Salesian Cooperators and the Past Pupils of Don Bosco. The response of the participants at the Salesian Family gathering is positive. The gathering concluded with the words of Don Bosco on 8 December 1841, when we meet again next month, “I would like you to come with some of your friends.”

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