PRAY FOR PNG SAYS SDB DELEGATE
PORT MORESBY: 6th July -- 'Pray for PNG - a step
away from total anarchy' requests Fr. Val Barbero, Superior of the Salesian
Delegation of PNG. There is presently an election in progress, but already
well before the election, PNG was plagued by 'rascalism'. The 'Rascals'
are bands of young people, many of whom have drifted into the urban area from
the Central Highlands and elsewhere, who a e adrift in every sense, and given to
resorting to criminal activity to survive.
The list of recent violent attacks on clergy and
Sisters is 'impressive' to say the least!
-The AD Sisters were attacked 4 times in their
house at Nazareth and on the road, with loss of property.
A Canossian Sister was attaked 2 times in the
clinic where she works.
-The cafeteria of the Caritas school was robbed of
goods and money. The Sisters were threatened at gun point twice. A shot
missed the guard.
-The PIME Sisters were robbed twice in the house
and the car while they were on an errand. The Sister Superior is still under
shock.
-The Parish priest of St. Joseph in Boroko was
pulled out of his car by armed young men just in front of his residence. He
found the car days after, but ripped apart.
-The Bishop of Bereina, while returning from the airport was attacked at gun
point.
- An MSC priest lost his car while going
to Nazareth House. He found what "remained" of his car.
- The residence of the Archbishop of Port Moresby
was visited by thieves while he was in Rabaul for the meeting of the Bishops of
Oceania. Everything that could be taken out, was taken out!
- Two teachers at Don Bosco Boroko were shot while
entering through the school gate.
- Last night, Fr. Ben Hur (sic) of Don Bosco
Gabutu, while on pastoral duty, was robbed of watch and wallet and of the parish
truck. Last night the truck was found and recovered
, smashed...
Fr. Val repeats his request - pray for
PNG!
