Tavur 2011 February :: Newsletters

Expand document

Collapse document

Tavur 2011 February

1 Page 1

2 Page 2

3 Page 3

4 Page 4

Tavur 2011 February

1 Page 1

▲back to top

The newsletter of the Salesian delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

January – February 2011

Dear Confreres and Members of the

Salesian Family,

Warm greetings to all of you. Allow me

again to wish all of you a Happy New

Year.

I believe that at this time of the year

we are quite busy as we commence

our New Scholastic Year. And yes we

have reason to move on for life is always a journey.

I am still amazed of the past festivity we had. At the end of this

month we celebrated in a very simple way the feast of our

founder, father and teacher Don Bosco. Prior to that the feast

of St. Francis de Sales, Patron of the Salesians. And Blessed

Laura Vicuna a young saint who offered her pain and suffering

for the conversion of her mother. We are blessed with such

good examples from these holy people. It will be nice that we

reflect and eventually put into practice the virtues they stood,

lived and died for - for our own good. We all need to thank

God, for the many gifts and blessings we have received from

Him.

As we begin again our scholastic year may I encourage all of

you to read and reflect the Strenna of our dear Rector Major

for this year 2011: “COME AND SEE.” This will assist us in our

pastoral direction in the coming months. The Rector Major

challenges every member of the salesian family to invite

and call others for their worthy vocation - be it religious,

priestly ministry or a lay vocation. And to do this he is

expecting us to be a true and authentic spiritual guide for

the young. I am touched with his practical direction of

being an authentic witness of the beauty of our salesian

vocation, for all of us members of the salesian family; and

to live our lives and help the lives of others to be under-

stood as vocation and mission.

To do this let us go back and refresh ourselves with the

rich and truthful witness of the life of St. John Bosco, and

as I mentioned the good example and witness of life of

our own salesian saints. I count them as real blessings

because they set an example, they initiate a direction on

how to be a good disciples and at the same time to be

real guides for the salvation of our souls and the souls of

our young people.

May the starting of this scholastic year be a point of our

apostolic and spiritual journey together with the young.

We look forward to the 200 years anniversary of the birth

of our Father and Teacher St. John Bosco in 2015.

Wishing you all the best of the coming days.

Viva Don Bosco!

Affectionately,

Fr. Raffy Galve sdb, Delegate

The Friend of Youth folds up

Courtesy: Don Bosco, A new biography, by Tere-

sio Bosco, Translated by Fr. Gisuppe Moja sdb

Don Bosco was worried by the havoc

caused by the anticlerical papers even

among the young. These papers were

everywhere, sold in the streets, pasted

on the walls. The Catholic papers were

few and lacked that touch of aggressive-

ness that made a paper readable.

Don Bosco already had his hands full,

but in the month of February, 1849, he

took up one more enterprise: he started

a paper called The Friend of Youth. The

paper appeared thrice a week. It was

prepared with the help of Fr. Carpano

and Fr. Chiaves, and was printed at the

Speirani-Ferroro press.

The paper was a failure. It had 137 sub-

scribers in the first trimester, and 116 in

the second. It folded up after 61 issues,

with a deficit of 272 lire.

However, Don Bosco never regretted it.

He had tried to do some good and had

encountered, for the first time, the

„peaceful-apathy‟ of the „good‟. The

Catholic press in Italy is still dragging

that dead weight after more than a hun-

dred years.

2 Page 2

▲back to top

VunaBosco Agro -Technical Secondary School

Father, Thank you for giving us

- Fr. John Cabrido sdb

say the Boys of Palnakaur

RABUAL: It was sometime mid-last year when I chanced upon

the chronicle archive of Vunabosco in the Rector‟s Office. My

HOPE

eyes widened as I read the earliest entries and marveled at the

exploits of Br. Joseph Kramar and Fr. Oscar Zamora as they

waited for the right offer of land in order to build the Don Bosco

for the Islands Region. Among the numerous photographs pre-

served, one stood out. It was the record of the first meeting of

Fr. Peter Zago, the Rector, and the representatives of the Arch-

diocese of Rabaul with the people of Palnakaur and Bitagalip,

the two neighboring villages in which the still-to-be constructed

school was situated. The meeting was called to assuage the

anxiety of the people and to assure them that their own children

would benefit from this educational institution. While that may

have been true in years past, the rising school fees of the Sale-

sian school in disproportion to the downward spiral of the villag-

ers‟ incomes had prevented that in recent times. It tugs at my

heart that the promise of my predecessors was no longer being

fulfilled. It dawned on me that getting the youth of the nearby

villages was a historical imperative. It struck me that the priests

children. We

had earlier made

a survey of the

families of this

village, so I

knew that many

youths were out

of school. But

meeting the

young men

themselves was a totally different experience. It

brought me back two decades before when as a

youthful priest-director of a youth centre I had gone on

a house-to-house visitation of urban slum dwellings in

our Salesian parish.

of my community were going as far a New Hanover in New Ire-

land Province (Fr. Clifford), or Kimbe and Bialla in the West

(WNBP; Fr. Timothy) and even as deep south as Buin (myself)

to recruit new intakes, while those at our doorstep could not get

in.

Over the next two weeks, a dozen youth of Palnakaur

rendered community service in Vunabosco with the

promise of obtaining a Salesian community scholar-

ship. The extra help enabled us to prepare the school

diary on time and to clean the school grounds and

class rooms for the coming enrolment. As youths

I had made some efforts in the past. In early August, I had met

with some 25 young men and women who were school leavers

to see what Vunabosco could do for them to get back into formal

education. However, most were already satisfied to target the

“Short Course” program initiated by Fr. Edwin Genovia. In nu-

merous times, I had invited the youth of Palnakaur to seek enrol-

ment in Vuanbosco, the most recent being on 9 January this

year. Only two even bothered to inquire. It was at that moment

heard that they had a shot of getting into Vunabosco,

more young people came along – young people were

bringing in their friends and relatives. Since the condi-

tion of scholarship required Saturday service through-

out the school year, it gave me hope that finally – per-

haps, just finally – we could establish the long desired

Oratory, in Palnakaur itself!

that something snapped inside of me. The next afternoon, to-

gether with a boarder, I went on a house to house search in the

hill top village of Palnakaur. With the help of the two boys who

had come earlier, Karl and Benjamin, we went directly to the

parents of the young people to convince them to bring us their

I had to leave Vunabosco just before enrolment be-

gan. There were a number of farewells along the way.

But the one I treasure most is the simple word of grati-

tude from the boys of Palnakaur, “Father, thank you

for giving us hope.”

Strenna 2011

Come and see (Jn 1:36-39)

Jesus called some to follow him (cf. Mk 1:16-20).

These first disciples of his thus became his companions. (Acts 1:21-22).

Here then is the pedagogical direction we must take:

1. Return to Don Bosco

2. Don Bosco for the young people of today

TAVUR—The newsletter of the Salesian delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

3 Page 3

▲back to top

A School of

- Br Moise Paluku sdb

Melanesian Culture

KEFOMA-GOROKA: To improve their own apostolate as

missionaries, three young Salesians from the Salesian

Delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

have attended an Orientation Course in Melanesian culture,

organised by the Melanesian Institute between 2 and 22

January.

Among the 29 taking part from 16 different countries mainly

from Europe were Stephen Maswili, John Tien and Moise

Paluku, originally from Africa, accompanied by 2 lay

Volunteers, Marites Sabando and Crispy Noche from

Araimiri. At the meeting in Kefamo-Goroka those taking part

learned about the culture of the peoples they would be

working with, including courses on the

History of the peoples of Melanesia – from

their beginnings to the present day – land

issues, traditional and present situation of

marriage, religious matters, health issues,

traditional and present values, sorcery

matters, intercultural communication, and

Youth and education concerns.

Documentaries helped them with their discussions.

The advantages of the course also included the

ecumenical dialogue among those taking part, as a

result of the organisers arranging to have

representatives from the main churches in Melanesia.

The Salesians also made their own special contribution

through their cheerful spirit of collaboration, and the

other missionaries remarked on the enthusiasm and

involvement produced by the charism of Don Bosco.

First Solomon Islander renews profession as

Salesian of Don Bosco – Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb

HENDERSON: „I renew my vows to

live poor, chaste and obedient”, said

Br Jefferson Ohoau sdb, loudly and

clearly on 31st January, 2011, Feast

day of Don Bosco as he renewed his

vows at the end of the homily

preached by Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of

Honiara.

Br. Jefferson Ohoau sdb is the first Solomon Islands Sale-

sian and has made his first profession on 31st January, 2008

in Kungi, Papua New Guinea. He has completed his Ma-

chine Fitting Course and has earned a Diploma in the Trade.

He has also done his Bachelors of Philosophy together with

several courses in humanities and religious life. He has now

been appointed to teach and instruct the students at Don

Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson.

„I look forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with the

students, in the hope that they will have values and attitudes

that will help them earn an honest living‟, is what Br Jefferson

is about, as he commences his first year of Practical Training

on home soil. “It is wonderful to have him here at the Insti-

tute as being a Solomon Islander he is able to understand

the young and assist them in the best possible manner”, said

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb.

Salesians - Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector of Don Bosco

Technical Institute, Henderson and Fr. Michael Laap sdb,

Rector of Don Bosco Rural Training Centre, Tetere were

happy to witness the occasion, while Br Moise Paluku sdb

looked on.

Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara was

president at the Solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic cele-

bration on the 31st January, 2011, Feast Day of Don

Bosco. Concelebrating with him was Bishop Chris

Cardone op, Bishop of Auki, together with five other

priests. Over 120 religious, priests, teachers, board

members, ministry officials, well-wishers and guests

were present for the celebration. It was a delightful occa-

sion for his parents and family members who were pre-

sent for the occasion. “On behalf of the PNG-SI Delega-

tion, we express our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs

Pascal Ohoau, the parents of Br Jefferson for the gift of

their son to the Salesian Congregation”, said Fr.

Ambrose Pereira sdb in thanksgiving. „Don Bosco takes

his place at home, and you will surely experience his

blessings upon you and your family‟, he continued. Mr

Pascal in reply expressed his support and encourage-

ment for the vocation of his son. A festive meal followed

the Eucharistic celebration – with delicious dishes

brought in by religious and guests. Lively action songs

entertained eve-

ryone. “It was a

very enjoyable,

relaxing and

joyful celebra-

tion”, said the

guests as they

returned home.

TAVUR—The newsletter of the Salesian delegate of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

4 Page 4

▲back to top

Fr. Eduardo Revilla sdb

Cultural Celebration

KUNGI: PREPARATION

Seven cultural groups : the Kora

and Konda from Simbu, Jiwaka,

Western Highland, Southern High-

land, Coastal and the Eastern Highlanders with Gasagasa

and famous Asaro Mudman rehearsed each day in prepara-

tion for the event. The students were obedient and obeyed

all the directions of the cul-

tural group leaders.

CULTURAL DAY 28 AUGUST

After the Eucharistic cele-

bration, the students, with

help from their parents and

guardians dressed up in

their costumes and got

ready to march the invited

guests to the grand stand. Three teachers also took part in

the celebration with the students. People from far and near

came to witness the grand cultural event. Some came all the

way from Western highland, Southern Highland, Eastern High-

land and within Simbu Province to witness the Don Bosco

Cultural day celebration in Kumgi and see the unique

and diverse cultures in PNG. At 10.00am, the program

coordinator Mr. Tony Siune, assembled the entire group

along the Kumgi Highway to welcome the guests.

The Southern Highlanders with the hella wigman and walking

dance. The Coastal group dressed red below waist with colour-

ful headdresses, the Eastern Highlander’s gasagasa with body

painted black all over and the famous Asaro mudman chasing

away flies from the dancers.

ARRIVALOF THE GUESTS

As the guest arrived the Konda gave them a welcome dance

accompanied with songs in their own Konda language at the

gateway. The invited guest who arrived were Reverend bishop

Anton Bal, Hon. Minister for Culture and Tourism Mr. Guma

Wau,Mr.Kapa from Provincial Education office, the Board of

Governors, the religious and other distinguished guests.

The entire cultural group made two lines for guests to walk

through to the grand stand. The Opening and welcome

speech by the Rector of the school Fr. Eduardo Revilla sdb,

was followed by Reverend Bishop Anton Bal, Mr. Kapa and

finally by Hon Guma Wau, Minister for culture and rourism.

The Hon. Minister donated K150.000 to the school. The Don

Bosco inter school sport prizes went to Kundiawa Lutheran

high school and St. Mary’s Technical school. It was an occa-

sion to learn more about culture and costumes.

The Kora, Konda and Jiwaka groups had similar kind of

dressing with colorful face painting and long bird of

paradise furthers as headdress’s, the western high-

landers with beautiful face painting and bilum dresses.

JANUARY

3 Fr. CASPER, Charles (1982)

FEBRUARY

8 Cl. BITU, Augustine (1982)

16 Fr. MORAIS, Clifford (1967)

May the Risen

LORD light up

your life !

You can send articles and photos to:

Fr Ambrose Pereira, sdb -

ambrose@donbosco.org.sb

Mayette Carvajal -

mayettebcarvajal@hotmail.com

Fr Edwin Genovia–

edge_png@yahoo.com

Last day for submissions: 5th April, 2011

Tavur Edition February, 2011

Contributing authors:

Fr. Raffy Galve, Fr. Eduardo Revilla sdb,

Br.Moise Paluku sdb, Fr. John Cabrido,

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb

Layout and editing:

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, DB Communications

Fr. Rafael Galve: delpng_si@datec.net.pg/sdbpostnov@datec.net.pg

Fr. Edwin Genovia:

edge_png@yahoo.com

Fr. Valeriano Barbero: valerianob@gmail.com

Fr. Dominic Kachira: dominickachira@gmail.com

Fr. Edward Revilla:

sdbed@lycos.com

Fr. John Cabrido:

keoni728vb@yahoo.com

Fr. Albert Lenon:

albertlenonsdb@yahoo.com

Fr. Ambrose Pereira: ambrose@donbosco.org.sb

Br. Moise Palaku:

palman02@yahoo.fr

Br. Jess Gracia:

jgorcia@dbti.ac.pg