1979 PNG-SI DBTI Henderson Salesian Sisters help with retreats
austraLasia #1979

DBTI - SI: Salesian Sisters help conduct retreats

HENDERSON: 7th November 2007 -- 'Let us live life to the full' was the theme for the Don Bosco Technical Institute Retreats conducted over complete weekends by a team of Salesians and Salesian Sisters.  In the latter case it was the first opportunity for the Salesian Sisters to be involved, given that they have only, within the past year, taken up residence in the Solomon Islands. "It was our first experience directing and animating Retreats amongst Solomon Islands youngsters. It was a wonderful way to know the students better from other perspectives and points of view. We are still observing and learning many new things especially the students' backgrounds, language and culture" said a smiling Sr Sialei Taofinu'u FMA, who hails originally from Samoa.
    The theme for the retreats this year reflected the Strenna for 2007.  The team comprised Fr Albert Swer sdb, the former Rector - now bishop - Luciano Capelli, Fr Ambrose Pereira who succeeded Bishop Luciano as Rector of the community, and two Salesian Sisters, Sr Anna Maria and Sr Sialei.
    Each class at DBTI has had a full weekend Retreat experience beginning Friday evening and finishing Sunday afternoon. The schedule included all the usual prayer and recreational activities and the experience of living and sharing together. Students were challenged by the beautiful prayer often ascribed to Mother Teresa (though probably not in fact written by her!): Life is.... an opportunity, grab it, and so on. The film on Don Bosco and highlights of the forthcoming WYD 08 were screened, along with highlights from activities at DBTI over the year - the Rector's Cup, Salesian Family Gathering, Tsunami (Gizo) Relief in April.... The Retreat concluded with a shared lunch after Sunday Mass.
    The final group to go through this experience was the group of Junior Carpentry and Automotive boys. It was the largest of the groups. "They were an exceptional group", said Sr Sialei, "cooperative, enthusiastic and full of life and fun. These two groups summed up veyr much what the Retreat experience for 2007 was all about".

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