4295_Fr. Basañes’ visit to DBTI

4295_Fr. Basañes’ visit to DBTI

February 17, 2017

By Mrs. Arlene Abital

Port Moresby, PNG, 15 February 2017 -- Don Bosco Technological Institute community welcomed the arrival of Fr. Guillermo Basañes, SDB, Councilor for the Mission during the lunch hour on February 13, 2017. The New Ireland and Manus cultural groups animated the traditional welcome by presenting him a headdress, garlands made of flowers and shells and traditional bilas. On behalf of student body, Adi Lydia Tenakanai, 4th yr. BED-MFM/Math, expressed her gratitude for the visit to DBTI, Papua New Guinea. She said “three years ago, less than 500 students were studying at DBTI, but this year nearly a thousand students have been privileged to study, make a difference in the society and contribute for nation-building, a big thanks to the Salesian Mission in PNG.”

On 15th February, Fr. Guillermo presided the 6:30 am daily Eucharistic celebrations at the chapel of Mary Help of Christians’ Shrine, DBTI compound. In his homily, he stressed to the churchgoers the fidelity of God for continuously loving and looking after mankind. He made reference to the deluge during Noah’s time. He said” God is always with us until the end of time.” Also during the Mass, the head of the institution, Fr. Louie Castañeda, SDB was officially installed as Rector of DBTI.

During the morning assembly, he had the opportunity to address the whole DBTI community. He thanked DBTI for the warm welcome. He was fascinated to see the traditional decorations and big tarpaulins of outstanding athletes in the world beautifying the gymnasium of the institute. He mentioned that Lionel Messi, Argentine professional footballer, his countryman, shows professional attitude in playing. He said “let professionalism guide you in your undertakings as you live up to the institute’s motto of ‘Competence and Character’. Finally, he said Don Bosco’s dream is to hone young people to be at their best and ready to serve others who are most in need.”