Boroko, Port Moresby, PNG: -- The 5th of June 2021 brought together representatives from the different groups of the Salesian Family of the Vice Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands for the celebration of Salesian Mission Day 2021. It was held at the Conference Hall of Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko. In attendance were the Salesians and Aspirants, FMA Sisters, Caritas Sisters of Jesus, Association of Salesian Cooperators, Association of Mary Help of Christians, and Past Pupils.

This was the first time that the mission day was held in the level of the province. It was Sr. Carmencita Rodriguez, FMA the Acting Provincial Delegate for Salesian Family who proposed the idea and Fr. Pedro Sachitula, SDB Provincial Delegate for Missionary Animation warmly welcomed the suggestion and the rest followed.

The half day event started with a prayer using the songs of Taize animated by DBTS Mission Group and its animators Miss Rica Lavilla and Br. Reto Wanner, SDB. A Lectio Divina followed which was facilitated by Fr. Greg Bicomong, SDB the PGS Provincial Superior. The participants reflected on the Gospel of Luke 6:27-37, a passage suggested by the Mission Department in Rome as it highlights the spirit of forgiveness, solidarity, and generous giving, particularly at this time of the pandemic. Fr. Greg, SDB asked the participants how they felt after hearing the gospel. He then asked everyone to share their answer to the person seated next to them.

Fr. Pedro, SDB, presented the theme and gave a brief background of the Salesian Mission Day. It was preceded by a performance titled ‘The Mission’ by students of Don Bosco Technical School who are members of the Mission Group.

For the second part of the day’s program, Fr. Srimal Priyanga Silva SDB, Provincial Economer for PGS introduced three videos showing solidarity projects being done in Africa, Asia and other parts of the world where there are Salesian settings. Afterwards, the Salesian Family members were asked to meet in their particular groups to brainstorm and suggest possible initiatives that can be done at their level in order to help in constructing a new building, supply medicines, and medical equipment for the Don Bosco Salesian Center in Gumbo, South Sudan run by the Caritas Sisters of Jesus.

A livestream on Facebook was provided for Salesian Family members who are stationed outside of Port Moresby.