The Salesian Sisters of Samoa, together with the Parish and school community, mission partners and the Educational Community at Leauvaa, came together to give thanks and praise to God and Mary, for the journey over the past 40 years of active and visible presence of the Salesian Sisters in that part of the Pacific. 

The golden thread running through the celebration was the memory of the first Sisters who courageously came as missionaries, following the dream of Don Bosco, who had foreseen the presence of the Salesians in the South Pacific and how this dream has been fulfilled in the past 40 years in Samoa. 

It was a beautiful, lively and typically joyful celebration during which prayers and remembrance were offered for our dear Sr. Anne Ivaldi, whose vision and courage in establishing the presence of the Sisters on April 26th 1982. 

This beautiful land has proven to be a fertile field for vocations among the faith-filled families of those islands. The many blessings bestowed on the SPR Province through the young women who have responded to the call of God and dedicated their lives to the service of the young, are reason to give thanks and praise.   Gratitude and remembrance too for all the Sisters who have pioneered the mission and dedicated their lives to it since its beginning. 

The Spirit of Mornese and the charism of our founder is truly alive and well, thanks to the present group of enthusiastic, joyful, hardworking women who continue God’s mission, and show the face of Christ to the young through their many and varied ministries, following in the footsteps of St. Maria Mazzarello in that beautiful part of the world. 

Thanks to the many Salesian Priests and Brothers, who over the years, have supported the Sisters in their mission.  Thanks to the mission partners, volunteers, parents, benefactors and all who have worked alongside the Sisters over the 40 years and still continue to be part of the Salesian Sisters story in Samoa.  Gratitude, blessings and prayers always. 

Congratulations for 40 years of joyful FMA presence in Samoa!!.

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2022 edition of the Salesian Bulletin, which is available now!