TAGIO TUMAS – Bishop-elect Capelli

- Terube Terawasi

‘Tangio Tumas’ were words that formed the background on the stage at Don Bosco Technical School, Henderson.  Salesians, staff, students and parents filled the hall to say thank you and bid farewell to former Rector, Fr. Luciano Capelli sdb.  The Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration and entertainment commenced at 8am on the 18^th October, 2007.  The celebration focused on: gratitude and thanks for life as Fr. Capelli turned 61; thanksgiving for the Don Bosco Technical School, Henderson and Congratulations to him as he will be consecrated as Bishop of Gizo on 21^st October, 2007. 

Symbols and gifts brought up in procession were – a house, a dictionary, a Tool box, a

Computer keyboard, Bible and candles, a staff, Betel nut, coconut shoot and shell money necklace.  Each of these symbolized the different departments and trades of the school, in the midst of Solomon Islands.  At the homily, Fr. Capelli shared his joy of having persons receive an education and a trade and make changes in themselves and their lives.  He also shared his disappointments at youngsters making tools that will cause destruction to themselves, life and property.  ‘Honesty is what is required to succeed’, stressed Bishop Elect Capelli during the Eucharistic Celebration.

The entertainment commenced with the Sr Home Economics girls dressed in their national costumes, dancing with the birthday cake.  Words of appreciation and thanks were shared by representatives of the different groups – staff, past pupils, students, parents and Saleisans.  Gifts of appreciation and thanks and a plaque with an image of the school and a variety of building materials were given to the Bishop-elect.  Different classes staged well prepared items.  Two plaques were unveiled – one dedicating the Indoor Hall to Servant of God Fr. Gisuppe Quadrio sdb and the other appreciating the joint efforts of the Salesians, European Union, Italian Volunteers, Pilipino craftsmen, Solomon Islands workmen and all those who have contributed to construct Don Bosco School, Henderson.

During feasting at lunch time, more custom dances were performed by different classes which delighted the audience, in particular, the overseas guests. The programme concluded with a farewell song sung by students which brought tears and emotions to Bishop Elect Luciano Capelli as well as to those present.

Present for the occasion were Mrs. Linda Capelli the mother of Bishop Elect Luciano Capelli, guests from overseas, volunteers, parents and friends.