Boroko, Port Moresby, 14 August 2021 -- As the second week of August drew to an end, Salesians, FMA Sisters, staff, and students of Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) gathered together on 13 August, 2021, in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Boroko, to celebrate an opening Mass indicating the beginning of the Annual Foundation week celebrations.

The Mass was animated by students from provinces in the Southern Region with lively singing and dances for processions, in honour of the Patron Saint of the Bosconians, St. John Bosco.

The main celebrant was Fr. Gregorio Bicomong, SDB, Provincial Superior of the Vice province of PNG/SI, assisted by other Salesian priests.

During his homily, Fr. Gregorio reminded everyone to be grateful and live in the fullness of life. “In these trying times, many young people are deprived of the fullness of life. Fullness of life is in the kingdom of God”, he said.

He stated that more than hundred years ago, Don Bosco was in the mission to save souls of the young people and gave them fullness of life through four areas; Family for Family Spirit, Schools for Education, Playground for Physical Development and Church for Spirituality.

“Live a life worthy of the Lord. We have to grow in the knowledge of God and not only in our skills learned in school”, concluded Fr. Greg.

Fr. Alexander Garces, SDB, Rector and President of DBTI, encouraged everyone to take to heart the theme of the celebration, “Celebrate with Gratitude: Moving Forward in Hope” and be responsible in following all precautionary measures of COVID-19 and maintain cleanliness of the campus.

The Annual Foundation week for Salesians and Bosconians in Papua New Guinea is celebrated in August beginning on the birthday of St. John Bosco, 16 August, in lieu of the Feast Day of the Saint of the Young on the 31 January, as schools in the country are on holidays then.