Guess who's coming to dinner!

PORT MORESBY: 12 August 2011 -- Newly elected PNG Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill graciously accepted the invitation of Fr Valeriano Barbero and dined with the Salesians of the Delegation House Community last night (11 August 2011).  Fr Val, who is soon to begin his new ministry as administrator of the Archdiocese of Rabaul, had met the prime minister earlier in the week at a farewell party hosted by a mutual friend, Mr Theo George Constantinou of the Hebou Group of Companies.
     Mr Constantinou, together with Mr Mitch Lutchini (Hebou Construction Ltd) and his wife, Imana, joined the Salesian community celebration which was also participated in by Fr Eduardo Revilla and Fr Dominic Kachira, rectors of the Savio Haus and Don Bosco Gabutu, respectively. It was a homely affair where everyone pitched in and the atmosphere was relaxed and easy. Bro. Jess Garcia, the economer, served the appetizers which included Cacciatori salami and imported Italian Gnocchi. The prime minister was entertained by the stories of Fr Eduardo Revilla, who regaled him with anecdotes from his early days as a missionary in the Philippines (almost 50 years ago!) to his idyllic years in Vunabosco in the ‘90s prior to the volcanic eruption up to the present.
     Fr Val oversaw the cooking of the main course—pizza, with the help of M. Constantinou who sweated it out over the firewood fueled oven. The guests thanked the prime minister for his initial actions of his administration and assured him that the people were filled with new hope. The meal was delicious and spiced up with much hearty laughter among friends. Twice Fr Val counseled the prime minister: “those who help Don Bosco always become successful!” to which his good friend Mr Constantinou teased “in that case, I guess I will become a billionaire!” The prime minister was amused that the desert wine was a bottle of Marsala, a fine Sicilian altar wine. After some souvenir photo shots, the Mr O’Neill assured the Salesians of his full support.
Fr John Cabrido, the community rector, then requested the prime minister if he could spare some minutes to greet DBTI’s 130 male and 50 female boarders to which he unhesitatingly agreed.
 He was greeted by the young people as they would a rock-star. They jostled for front places to listen to his brief, fatherly “good night talk” as he outlined his vision for the country and encouraged them in their responsibility of studies. The Salesians, FMA Sisters and students saw him off with three thunderous “Yes claps”, cheers and promises of prayers.
     The evening brought to mind Don Bosco’s example of reaching out to government leaders and prominent benefactors in order to benefit the young. Mr. Constantinou expressed the sentiments of all to “do this more often” — a simple, hearty dinner among friends.