austraLasia #2048

PNG-SI: Patient work paying off - professions and novices

KUMGI (Central Highlands PNG): 3rd February 2008 --  A takes a little while for news to trickle down from the Central Highlands of PNG, Kumgi to be precise, where Augustine Bitu made his first profession as a Salesian on 31st January, Brother Gilbert Pano renewed his vows as a practical trainee newly assigned to Kumgi, and three young men commenced their novitiate: one from Chimbu province where Kumgi is situated, a second from New Ireland to the north of the main island of PNG, and the third from the Solomon Islands, the first Salesian vocation from there.  Apart from the grace of God at work in young hearts, it is the result of long, patient work by Salesians from the PNG-SI Delegation.
    Augustine Bitu grew up in Namatanai, New Ireland.  He first came to know about Don Bosco and the Salesians in 2001 when he was accepted as a Grade 11 student at Vunabosco Agro-technical school at Kokopo, East New Britain.  Augustine recalls the beginnings of his Salesian vocation this way.  On 24th May, Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians, after the feast day programmes and during the afternoon, Fr Ariel Macatangay, then Rector of Vunabosco, asked him casually if he wanted to be a Salesian.  At that time, Augustine responded that his first option was to be an MSC (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) but still had to speak to his bishop of his intentions.  The bishop at the time was nearby, visiting the minor seminary. Fr Ariel told him to think and to pray, and to reflect on his invitation. Two weeks later Augustine indicated to Fr Ariel that he would like to try as a Salesian.
    After graduation from Grade 12, Augustine entered the Salesian aspirantate and pre-novitiate at Savio Haus East Boroko where he also took up 4 years of college education. In 2006 he graduated with a B.Ed, majoring in Electrical Technology.  When the novitiate was transferred to Chimbu province, he was one of three to begin the novitiate at Kumgi.  Lo and behold his novice master was his former rector from Vunabosco!
    Augustine made his first profession on 31st January this year, the only one left of that novitiate. The occasion was made special by the presence of the Diocesan Jubilee Cross, similar to the WYD Cross, and by the fact that Kundiawa Diocese of Chimbu has celebrated 25 years of existence.
    As a single novice for much of his novitiate year, life was challenging. While spending most of his time in the study of the Constitutions, the theology of consecrated life, Salesianity and the Mystery of Christ, Augustine became involved in the Oratory.  It has become a 'family oratory' where people of various clans, tribes and villages come freely and safe from some of clan clashes around them. Augustine organised two sports leagues, lasting two weeks and two months respectively. With the support of the Salesian community this well-appreciated community initiative helped reduce the number of young people engaged in the three typical youth vices of the local area - drugs, drinking and gambling.
    With the help of the three new novices, Vincent, Michael and Jefferson, the Salesian community hopes to offer further initiatives of the kind.
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Title: australasia 2048
Subject and key words: EAO Provinces PNG-SI professions, novitiate
Date (year): 2008
ID: 2000-2099|2048