372 Twenty years of Don Bosco in PNG

Subject: 'austraLasia' # 372

20 YEARS OF DON BOSCO IN PNG

Alfred Maravilla

PORT MORESBY: 8th July -- This year marks the 20th year of Salesian presence in PNG. The first batch of Salesians arrived in Port Moresby on June 13, 1980 from Manila, Philippines. The next day they went to Araimiri to take over the exsisting vocational training centre upon the invitation of the Archbishop of Kerema, Virgil Copas, MSC.

Today Salesians in PNG work in 3 technical secondary schools, a vocational centre, a technical teachers' training college, an aspirantate, 2 parishes and mission work 'at the frontiers'.

The celebrations to commemorate the 20th year started with a 'Delegation Chapter' (which was really more of an institutional reflection than a 'chapter') from July 3-5 in the Delegation House at Boroko East (Port Moresby). 13 Salesians representing the 6 communities together with Fr. Francis Gustilo, Provincial as well as 2 other provincial councillors from Manila discussed the direction to take in PNG, based on the guided reflections of the communities. After 3 days the Delegation Vision-Mission Statement was revised, the direction to be taken in the coming years was agreed upon and priorities were set.

The next day, July 6, everyone (lay collaborators, students, Oratorians, some parents and parishioners) gathered in the Church of St. John Bosco at Don Bosco Tech-Gabutu this time for the Eucharist which was interlaced with drama and traditional dances performed by the students narrating the history of evangelisation of PNG until the arrival of the Salesians. The Archbishop of Port Moresby, Brian Barnes, OFM presided the Eucharist. Bishop Paul Marx, MSC of Kerema concelebrated with all the Salesian priests working in PNG.

A brief programme and then a 'good' lunch followed the Eucharist. The rest of the afternoon was spent on the playground: all the Salesians ere divided into two teams: blues and maroons (does that remind someone of the State of origins?) for a round of basketball and volleyball. A youthful way indeed to celebrate our Salesian presence.

Now the 29 Salesians working in PNG [coming from the Philippines, Italy, Vietnam, Spain and PNG (there is 1 local Salesian, 2 novices and 9 aspirants)] look forward to their coming silver jubilee with a clear vision for the future.