austraLasia #2801 Solomon Islander renews profession as Salesian of
Don Bosco
Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb
HENDERSON SI: 7 February 2011 -- ‘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. The celebration was held in a well-decorated
Don Bosco hall, Henderson.
Br. Jefferson Ohoau sdb is the first
Solomon Islands Salesian and made his first profession on
31st January, 2008 in Kungi, Papua New Guinea. He
completed his Machine Fitting Course and has earned a
Diploma in the trade. He has to his credit a Bachelors
of Philosophy together with several courses in humanities
and religious life. He is now on the staff of Don
Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, 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 Institute as being a
Solomon Islander he is able to understand the young,
motivate them and assist them in the best possible manner”,
said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector of the Institute.
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 his profession, while Br Moise
Paluku sdb looked on.
Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of
Honiara, presided at the solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic
celebration on the 31st January, 2011, Don Bosco's Feast
day. 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. In his homily, Archbishop Smith
encouraged all to imitate the compassion of Don Bosco as he
reached out to the needy youngsters of his day. "We
need to have the compassion of Don Bosco, as we educate our
young today", encouraged the Archbishop.
It was a delightful occasion for Br
Jefferson's parents and family members who were present for
the occasion. ‘On behalf of the PNG-SI Delegation, 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”, Fr Ambrose Pereira said in
thanksgiving. ‘Don Bosco takes his place at home, and
you will surely experience his grace and blessings upon you
and your family’, he continued. Mr Pascal in reply
expressed his support and encouragement for hi son's
vocation.
A festive meal followed the Eucharistic
celebration – with delicious and tasty dishes brought in by
religious, guests and friends. Lively action songs
entertained the gathering.
“It was a very enjoyable, relaxing and
joyful celebration”, said the guests as they returned back
home.
Don Bosco Tech has commenced classes for
the senior students while the junior students commence
classes on 7th February, 2011. It currently has five
trades - Automotive, Carpentry, Electricity, Machine Fitting
and Life Skills. Short courses are also conducted. _________________ AustraLasia
is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia
Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in
Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com
. RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click
on austraLasia 2011 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS
orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from
there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle.
Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
