Fr Asaeli Raass SVD, who will succeed Fr Henry Adler SVD as Provincial of the AUS Province in January, has been fortified for the job ahead after taking part in a strengthening ceremony performed by his family and other members of the Fijian community.

Fr Raass, says members of his family travelled to Sydney from Fiji for the first time to prepare him for his leadership role.

“It’s called a Rite of Strenghtening,” he says. “It’s a six part ritual in one ceremony, and it is traditionally something that is done before taking on the leadership role, not after.”

The day started with a Mass of Thanksgiving in the St Arnold Janssen Chapel at Marsfield, attended by family, friends, and members of the Fijian community, as well as SVD confreres.

Then, the congregation moved downstairs to the hall for the Rite of Strengthening, where those taking part, including Fr Raass, were attired in traditional Fijian dress, for the six-part ritual.

Fr Raass says he was touched by his family and Fijian community members travelling to Sydney to bless and strengthen him in this way before he takes on his new responsibilities.

“I really felt honoured by it,” he says. “It meant a lot to me.”

Following the ceremony, there was a shared traditional Fijian lovo meal.

Fr Raass was also able to take some time out to show his family around Sydney as well as Alice Springs, where he has been parish priest for the last several years.

Fr Raass will take up his new duties on January 1, 2020.