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The newsletter of the Salesian delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

15th December, 2011 be effective in giving and in planting the Word of God in

their hearts.

Dear members of the Salesian Family,

The Strenna for 2012 “Let us make the young our life

Wishing you all an ardent Advent

mission by coming to know and imitate Don Bosco”

preparation as we prepare for the

is a very good means for us to implant and revive this

coming of Christ at Christmas. We

salesian charism. This coming year 2012, we are tasked

have been busy during the last month, to know the history of Don Bosco, his context, his person,

concluding the scholastic year. I wit- his experience of life and his choices. My wish is that

nessed the graduation of our DBTI- everyone will strive and make a good effort in doing

Boroko and DBTS-Gabutu. It was an something

occasion to thank the Lord and Don in this as-

Bosco for keeping up the legacy of our Salesian spirit. I

pect.

would also like to congratulate the other Don Bosco schools

for doing the same.

Christmas

is close at

Our Rector Major sent us his letter on Inculturation of the

hand, let

Salesian Charism (ACTS 411). It is a very good reminder to us open

all of us. He has stated that the salesian charism is the prin- our hearts

ciple of unity in the congregation especially among us sale- to accept

sians and members of the salesian family. Aware of the

Jesus, the

risks because of the changing cultural paradigms like global- Word In-

ization, the youth situation and many other things, he re-

carnate so

viewed our missionary identity. We all have the responsibility that we

to carry on the work of Evangelization much more now be- may be-

cause the demand and the challenge is so great in the world come a real instruments of His loving care in implanting

and among the young people.

the salesian charism in the hearts of the young: WISH-

ING YOU ALL A MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A

As we end the year, we are hoping too to start the New Year PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

with a better outlook, a better strategy and a better conviction Affectionately,

that understanding the young people means to us a fruitful

- Fr. Raffy Galve sdb,

cooperation with the grace of God in facing their cultural di-

Delegate PNG-SI

versity. While we expect them to change, maybe we need to

May the Christ Child bless

you and your families.

Happy

Christmas

and a

Joyous

New Year

2012

INSIDE:

2: Highlights of Gabatu

3: DBTI Graduation

4: Tetere News Bits

5: Gloria 2011

6: My LIFE is in You

7: Fond Memories

8: Colourful Care

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Highlights of Gabatu - Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb

Left:

into

tRheeccoogonliwtioanteDrsayatfothreGTraadueraXmsatSudweimntms ianngdPRoeoal.dy

jump

 Recognition Day for Grade X students was cele-

brated on the day of the last of the Board examinations,

on the 14th October. 112 students were recognized on

their completion of Grade X, awards were given to meri-

torious students.

 23rd October was the final FAMILY DAY for the year,

celebrated at the Taurama Swimming Pool complex. Big

numbers turned out as swimming during the hottest part

of the year was an added attraction. After a variety of

activities, the distribution of the 3rd term report cards was

the final part of the program.

 SEPP for 2012 was prepared on 21st and 22nd No-

vember by the EPC. All the Salesians, teaching staff,

with representatives of the Parents, Non-teaching staff,

Past Pupils and students spent two days preparing the

EPP focusing on the Strenna of the Rector Major. To

make the process more serious, we had a change of

venue in Emmaus Centre, East Boroko.

American Shelf in the School Library: MoU of Under-

standing with the US Embassy for an American shelf in

Right: EPC at Emmaus Retreat Centre and Mr. Teddy

Taylor and Mr. Daniel Miller, at the signing of the Mou

for the American Shelf.

the library was signed on 28th November. In his speech the

Ambassador Mr. Teddy Taylor said that this was to com-

memorate the 50 years of USAID to the Pacific, with its

headquarters at Port Moresby. Mr. Daniel Miller, the Acting

Director of USAID enumerated how 50 years back President

John F. Kennedy began USAID. The MoU is a commitment

from the school to keep the American Shelf and a commit-

ment from the US Embassy to keep updating the section

with books, videos, DVDs etc.

 14th Speech Day was celebrated with due solemnity on

Wednesday, 30th November. Fr. Louie Castaneda, Rector

of DBTI was the Main celebrant at the Graduation Mass at

8.30 am. The graduation proper began at 10.30 with Hon.

Grand Chief Michael Ogio, Governor General, giving the

keynote address. All the outgoing students of Grade XII and

ITC-2 were inducted into the Past Pupils‟ Association: 133 of

the ITC and 114 of Grade XII.

The President of the Parish Council, Mr. Tom Sinari, passed

away after rather prolonged illness. The parish organized a

fitting funeral service on 4th November. RIP! Mr. John

Aromari was elected President, filling up the vacant post.

Delagation Office

Fr. Galve, Rafael

Br. Jess Garcia

Fr. Sonny Fajardo

Fr. Tran Cong Phan, F

Savio Haus

Fr. Revilla, Eduardo - Rector /E

Fr. Sanchez, Angel - S/Asst. Asp./Sec. Del/

Vocation Promotion

Fr. Tran Phuoc, J - V/Incharge Asp.

Delegation Council

Fr. Galve, Rafael

Bro. Jess Garcia - Finance

Fr. Kachira, Dominic - Mission Animation

Fr. Baquero, Peter - Youth Ministry

Fr. Revilla, Eduardo - Formation and

Vocation Formation

DBTI-Boroko/Delegation

Fr. Castaneda, L - Rector

Fr. Battad, G - V/ Economer/Shrine

Fr. Swer, Albert - In-charge Boarding

Fr. Galve, Rafael

Br. Garcia, Jess

Fr. Sanchez, Angel

Kumgi

Fr. Lenon, Albert - Rector

Fr. Fazzini, Angelo - Vicar

Fr. Parapilly, R - V/E

Fr. Shoji, M - S/ In charge of Boarding

Cl. Nguyen Quoc Dai, J - t

Vunabosco

Fr. Miranda, Roger - Rector/E

Fr . Yu, S - S

Fr. Morais, Clifford - V/Pr

Fr. Barbero, V - Confessor

Br. Le Mac Khai, P - t

Araimiri

Fr. Genovia, E - Rector

Fr. Bosquez, H - V/Pp/ E

Fr. Tolentino, D - Pr.

Fr. Vergouw P - S / Asst.Pp

Br. Singan, M - t

Gabutu

Fr. Kachira, Dominic - Rector/C

Fr. Odorico, Luciano - V/Pp

Fr. Baquero, Pedro - Pr/Administrator

Fr. Casper, C - S/ In charge of Hostel boys

Honiara

Fr. Pereira, Ambrose - Rector

Fr. Pankaj, Xalxo - V/E/Pr Tech.

Fr. Srimal, Priyanga - S

Tetere

Fr. Haruyama, Michael - Rector/P

Fr. Nguyen, Joseph - V/E/Pr

Br. Ohaou, Jefferson - t

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10th DBTI, Boroko

GraEdxueractiisoen

- Josephine Sagar

Josephine, DBTI Bachelor in Education flanked by Josephine Sagar and Sr. Pamela Vecina, FMA

DBTI held its 10th graduation exercises on the 25th of No-

vember 2011 at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians. We

have a total of 193 graduates for 2011: 50 for the Bache-

lor‟s Degree in Education and for the different technologies

– 41 in Computer Technology, 26 in Electronics Technol-

ogy, 25 in Electrical Technology, 30 in Maintenance and

Fitting and Machining Technology and 21 in Motor Vehicle

Technology.

Present at the graduation ceremonies were Mr. Matthew

Pobaya, Teaching Service Commissioner who proclaimed

and received our graduates, Mr. Simon Kenehe, the

Chairman for Higher Education and Dr. Cecilia Nembou,

Vice President of the Divine Word University.

Another very important event was held on that special oc-

casion - the signing of the Memorandum of Understand-

ing on the Renewal of Affiliation of DBTI with DWU. Both

parties signed the agreement during the ceremony. Fr.

Rafael Galve, SDB, President of Don Bosco Technological

Institute and Dr. Nembou represented the Divine Word Uni-

versity.

How time flies! It was just ten years a ago that the school

had its first batch of graduands. It is a decade of producing

another set for the workforce. All over the country we are

proud to say that Bosconians are widespread and well

distributed. Some, even before their graduation had al-

ready jobs ready for them in the companies where they

had had their In-Plant Training. And others have been

offered scholarships too. This is for those who have

achieved higher ranks. Companies sponsoring the

awards for the best in different technologies were also

grateful that we sent them to be trained, though it is really

a requirement that they complete their number of hours,

before they obtain their certificates or diplomas. We also

acknowledged the different schools in NCD that permitted

our students for their Practice Teaching.

Still reminiscing the past, if you browse on the albums of

DBTI at the early beginning, this place was just a plain,

grassy land where buildings gradually sprouted, where

workshops are standing one after the other after it was

cleared and flattened. With the efforts of the first Sale-

sians who paved the way for other missionaries and the

partnership with donor organizations or NGO‟s the work-

shops were filled with machinery needed by students for

practical job. We are so happy that companies link with

us and ask for our graduates to work with them. That‟s an

added bonus, a feather in our cap, showing their trust in

Bosconians.

Originally, it was supposed to be teacher‟s college cater-

ing only for boys but if you get in the campus, it has be-

come a melting pot not only of young men from all over

PNG but also for young ladies too as well as for students

from overseas. To accommodate more of the latter, new

dormitories for girls need only the finishing touches and

by February 2012, it is ready to be occupied. This just

means that the institution caters for both sexes, hence it

is a co-educational institution.

This is not simply a speech day but also an opportune

time to express our gratitude to God, our parents or

guardians, the school, lecturers and trainers and also the

donor agencies.

Motor Vehicle Technology Graduates with Fr. Rafael Galve sdb,

President of DBTI, Dr. Cecilia Nembou, Vice President of the Divine

Word University, Commissioner- Teaching Service Commission,

Mr. Simon Kenehe, Commissioner Office of Higher Education, Fr.

Louie Castaneda, Rector DBTI, Mr. Noel Guillermo, Principal and

Mr. Rod Mondez, Motor Vehicle Technology Patron.

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- Cl. Moise Paluku sdb

Tetere News Bits

Celebrating LIFE

On November 9th,

the school organ-

ized their familiar

monthly birthday

celebration for

the months of

November and

Fr. Joseph Than, Br Moise Palaku and Fr. Michael Lap December. Fr.

Joseph for 5th Nov, Br. Moise, 4th Dec, and Fr. Michael for

13th December. Thus all three Salesians joined the Novem-

ber December celebrants. The events included the gradua-

tion for the basic learners of guitar, and farewell for the sec-

ond year students.

6th Graduation

Don Bosco Rural Training Cen-

tre, Tetere held its 6th gradua-

tion ceremony on 11th Novem-

ber, 2011. 38 students who for

the past two years have spent

their time at the school have

learnt new skills. The ceremony Fr. Michael Lap, Rector present-

was divided into three parts: the ing a certificate to a graduating

first was the celebration of the

student

Holy Eucharist presided over by His grace, Bishop John Do-

aninoel sm, Auxiliary Bishop of Honiara. FMA sisters, de la

Pieta sisters, DMI sisters, MA sisters and several other in-

vited guests joined in

the celebrations. After

the Eucharist celebra-

tion, the 38 graduates

received their certificate

from Fr. Michael Lap,

sdb. Each received a

spade and a packet of

Graduates sing - „Bosconians Forever‟ eggplant seeds as a

token of appreciation from the school. A delicious

lunch was offered to the graduates, guests, parents

and friends. Everyone enjoyed a healthy shared meal

prepared by the school and the parents of the gradu-

ates. A live entertainment followed. It was truly a

blessed day for the school to witness yet again another

batch of Bosconians from all over the country graduate

from a Don Bosco School. All departed rejoicing.

Fathers Conference

During the weekend

of 18th to 20th Nov.,

Christ the King Parish

has mark an new

event in the history of

the Solomon Catholic

Church.

After gathering all the

catholic women of all over the Archdiocese of Honiara,

the parish welcomed all the Fathers, from Tetere Par-

ish communities for the weekend of 18th to 20th Novem-

ber, 2011. The theme of the conference was „Rise,

take the child and his mother’, Mt 2,13. Inputs and dis-

cussions from different groups such as Legion of Mary,

Divine Mercy, Pioneer, CFC, Women‟s Group, etc.,

inspired the gathering. They were also enlightened on

the matter of the Natural Family Planning. The pres-

ence of the Archbishop among them for two days gave

the gathering a note of solemnity. The Eucharistic

celebration of the solemnity of Christ the King brought

to a close the Fathers‟ Conference. And all the com-

munities gathered to honor their parish feast day. The

Archbishop has manifest, once again, his affection and

closeness the parishioners of Christ the King parish,

Tetere. Unbelievable, but true, the men of Christ the

King have shown their aptitude of doing many things

while they spent three days together.

Destroyed Cathedral rebuild

(ANS – Gizo) – On Sunday 4th December, the diocese of

Gizo, at present entrusted to the Salesian Bishop Luciano

Capelli, celebrated with joy and pride the consecration of the

new Cathedral of St Peter and the diocesan offices,

destroyed by the tsunami on 2nd April 2007. Representatives

of all the parishes attended the moving ceremony of

consecration greatly appreciated by the faithful.

Concelebrating with Bishop Bernard O‟Grady, bishop

emeritus of Gizo, who presided at the Mass and the blessing

of the premises were the 4 Bishops of the 3 dioceses of the

Solomon Islands and 11 other priests. Also present were

various civil authorities and about 700 of the faithful.

The celebrations had begun the previous evening on

Saturday 3rd December, with a ceremony at which the past

was remembered, the challenges for the present and the

prospects for the future recalled. Throughout the weekend

the people showed their gratitude, and contributed to the

festivities with abundant specially prepared typical dishes.

The new diocesan premises includes the Cathedral of St

Peter, a multi-purpose hall, a youth centre, a nursery

school and

a job-

training

centre for

60 young

people with

courses in

building, mechanics, electrics and air-conditioning

repairs. The building took only four years thanks to the

contribution of very many benefactors and the lively

interest of the group of Volunteers “Friends of the

Solomon Islands Mission” (AMIS) who came from Italy in

4 groups.

“The completion of this project at a time of international

economic crisis,” Bishop Capelli said, “has been

made possible thanks to the combination of missionary

efforts and work from every part of the world. The spirit

of solidarity has reached the furthest ends of the earth.

The faith of Europe is still alive and fruitful in these

projects of missionary solidarity.”

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Vunabosco and East New Britain Schools showcase Christmas 2011

Gloria Vunabosco: 2011 !

- Remegio Harold A. Argante

Four secondary schools in East New Britain Prov-

ince namely Kokopo Secondary School, Malabunga Secon-

dary School, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart ( OLSH ) Sec-

ondary School, and Vunabosco Agro-Technical Secondary

School joined together for the GLORIA 2011 Christmas Pro-

gram held at Vunabosco gymnasium. Fr. Clifford Morais, SDB,

principal of Vunabosco, spearheaded this program with the aim

of uniting and leading students and schools to build the Church

of Christ.

The program was formally opened by Fr. Valeriano

Barbero, SDB. In his welcome address, Fr. Val stressed the

need to have this kind of affair as it brings us closer to Jesus

and to His mission of proclaiming the gospel through the differ-

ent performances that depict the essence of Christmas in this

modern age.

This event showcased various talents of students from

these schools through the Christmas Carol Competition,

Novelty Dance Contest, Battle of the Bands, and Christ-

mas Drama Competition. The audience saw spectacles from

each presentation as each school managed to come up with

different glittering Christmas costumes and props.

The different contest items wowed the crowd as it truly brought

out what GLORIA 2011

was all about – a glorious

Christmas treat. Mean-

while, a life-size statue of

Santa Claus added glitter

to the occasion that cap-

tured the attention and

admiration of teachers

Fr. Roger Miranda, Rector at

Gloria 2011

and students of the participating schools since it was

dressed up with real-life Santa Claus costume.

OLSH Secondary School won the grand prize

in the Christmas Carol and Christmas Drama Compe-

tition while Vunabosco Agro-Technical Secondary

School got the most coveted awards in the Novelty

Dance and Battle of the Bands Competition. Winners

and non-winners received Coca-Cola gift items from

Coca-Cola Amatil plus trophies courtesy of Vunabo-

sco Administration.

“This kind of gathering of schools initiated by

Vunabosco is such a rewarding and beautiful experi-

ence because this helps to attain the maximum po-

tentials of students in the field of arts and music,” said

Mrs. Eleonora Vigil, principal of OLSH.

Furthermore, Mr. John Lote, Coca-Cola Mar-

keting Co-ordinator, NGI, mentioned in his closing

remarks that this kind of activity should be made an

annual event because it builds students‟ confidence,

and social interaction among students of other

schools.

This fun-filled event was made possible

through the joint effort of Vunabosco headed by its

Rector, Fr. Roger Miranda, SDB, in cooperation with

the Principals of the participating schools and its ma-

jor sponsor, Coca-Cola Amatil.

Vunabosco Agro-Technical Secondary

School extends the aim of GLORIA 2011 to the busi-

ness houses and schools around Kokopo area, reli-

gious of Vunapope Parish as well as to the sick peo-

ple in the hospitals and to the Filipino community

through the singing of Christmas Carols and Christ-

mas wishes.

Dying of loneliness

- Flor McCarthy

In an audience Pope Paul VI told how one day, when he was Archbishop of Milan, he went out on parish

visitation. During the course of the visitation he found an old woman living alone.

„How are you?‟ he asked her. „Not bad,‟ she answered. „I have enough food, and I‟m not suffering from the

cold.‟ „You must be reasonably happy then?‟ he said.

„No, I‟m not‟, she said as she started to cry. „You see, my son and daughter-in-law never

come to see me. I‟m dying of loneliness.‟ Afterwards he was haunted by the phrase „I‟m

dying of loneliness‟.

And the Pope concluded: „Food and warmth are not enough in themselves. People need

something more. They need our presence, our time, our love. They need to be touched,

to be reassured that they are not forgotten.‟

Perhaps, this Christmas, we need to reach out to our brothers, sisters and our loved

ones.

HAVE A HAPPY CHRISTMAS WITH YOUR FAMILY

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My Life is in You

9th Graduation at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson – 21st October, 2011

- Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector

“Share in the work of Christ. Be holy, humble and honest. Lead and

guide your companions and be a Good Shepherds”, encouraged

Bishop Chris Cardone op, as he spoke to the graduating students

during the homily at the Graduating ceremony at Don Bosco Techni-

cal Institute, Henderson, on 21st October, 2011. 67 young boys and

girls received their certificates at the hands of the Chief Guest and

other special invitees.

Showers of blessings rained down as final preparations for the

Graduation Ceremony got underway. The stage was tastefully

decorated with the words „My Life is in You‟. The hall was filled with

parents, guardians and friends gathered for the celebration. In

marched representatives of carrying the tools of their trade – as the

choir sang, „My Life is in You‟. Lively dances with students dressed

in their traditional costumes enhanced the celebration, while youthful

singing filled the appropriate parts of the Thanksgiving Eucharist.

Dwelling on the life of Don Bosco and his love for youngsters,

Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki, in a very animated ser-

mon interacted closely with the graduating students and the congre-

gation. He reminded all of the love of the Lord and Don Bosco and

the need to be close to the heart of Jesus. He encouraged the stu-

dents to be Good Shepherds leading and guiding their companions

along the path of virtue.

Congratulating the graduating students, Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb,

Rector, reminded them to uphold what they learnt at Don Bosco and

continue to put them into practice. “Keep up your ideals and values

and you will realize that you can do great things”, he said. He

thanked the principal, Ms. Camari Bainivalu, teachers and parents –

for their dedication and involvement in the education of the young.

In speaking about the courses at Don Bosco, he spoke of the need

to constantly update the different courses to ensure that they are

relevant to the requirements of industry and that they meet the

needs of changing times. “Don Bosco is striving to set a bench

mark in regard to its curriculum, academic performance and above

all its attitude”, he said.

The graduating students proudly came forward to receive their cer-

tificates. Many were commended for the dedication, while several

received praise for their 100% attendance.

In dwelling on the theme, Mr.

John Wate, Director of TVET,

Chief Guest for the occasion,

questioned what were the

motivating factors that enable

the students achieve their

goal. In answer, he quoted

Margaret Waihaho, Form 3 receiving her certificate from Bishop

Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki

Proverbs 16:3, „Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and

your plans will succeed‟. He dwelt on two ingredients

needed to make an everyday masterpiece: „decisions and

discipline‟. He was most appreciative of the efforts of Don

Bosco to train skilled manpower for the Industries and looks

to further the collaboration between TVET and Don Bosco.

It was extremely unique when he called upon his TVET staff

who together sang: „Let me walk with you Jesus‟.

John Kaura, head boy, thanked the school and the teachers

for the spiritual and intellectual development passed on to

the students. “Your knowledge is not lost, but passed on”,

he said. In gratitude he thanked the parents who constantly

work hard to support their children and ensure that they have

all they need to complete their course.

The graduating students then sang an inspirational and re-

flective country gospel number, by the Crabb Family entitled:

The Reason I am standing. They received a thunderous clap

at the end of a very harmonious performance.

Among the special guests were: John Wate, Chief guest,

Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki, John Usuramo,

Director of USP, Honiara, Cypriano Nuake, Secretary of the

Roman Catholic Education Authority, Freddy Ratu, School of

Industry, together with several from Ministry and Industry,

with parents, relatives and friends. Chris Yarham, former

AVI Carpentry Instructor was happy to congratulate his stu-

dents on their achievements.

Then followed a delicious lunch while the audience was

treated to some fine entertainment by the students.

Left: John Wate presenting Muriel Katelo her certificate

Left:

Entire group of

graduating

students 2011

Right:

Doreene Wa-

toto, Delialah

Goutala and

Theresa Misu

leading the

offertory

procession

Freddy Ratu

presenting Kole

Paul Francis his

certificate

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– Josephine Sager

Fond memories

A time to reflect on friendship,

on service, on life . . .

On 28th November, 2011 the

remains of the two missionar-

ies (namely Fr, Joseph Savina,

SDB an Italian priest and Sr.

Martina Chan, CSJ a Korean)

Fr. Joseph Savina sdb

were exhumed at the Caritas

Technical Secondary School

grounds and was moved to their final resting place at the

back of the Emmaus Retreat Centre. Both have served and

offered their lives for others.

Fr. Valeriano in his homily mentioned that Fr. Joseph Savina

and he were very close friends. This started in the novitiate.

When the former went to Manila, the latter followed and did

likewise and followed him to Papua New Guinea. Though

they are the best of friends, they would always argue, but

they were a tandem, one could not live without the other.

Fr. Joseph Savina sdb and Sr. Martina Chan csj

There was a dinner invitation for them at one of the

business owners in Kokopo and I happened to tag

along. He had a sweet tooth and likes to have them

despite warnings. Just a couple of months later, he

passed away. That was in 9th June, 1999. He was very

sick and was due to travel for treatment but his time

had come.

The Caritas Sisters of Jesus first set foot in Araimiri on

24th August, 1986. Sister Martina Chan csj, a Korean

sister was one of them. Every Sunday they went with

the Salesian priests and brothers to the neighbouring

villages, sometimes by car, by truck and even by the

dinghy, celebrating the sacraments and teaching cate-

chism. When they had accepted girls at the other side

of Don Bosco, she taught Home Economics - cooking,

baking and dress making. To defend herself from ma-

laria attacks she regularly took medication. This could

have produced the side effects, remarked one of her

companions.

Both have started schools: Fr. Valeriano started Don Bosco

Araimiri, Gulf Province in 1980 and Fr. Savina started Don

Bosco, Gabutu in 1983. Before the Don Bosco Boroko was

built, Don Bosco Gabutu served as the drop off and pick up

point for religious and the volunteers who had arrived in the

country.

Here are a few anecdotes shared by Fr. Valeriano about this

great priest. Since Araimiri is close to the sea, he requested

him to buy a fishing net for him. He willingly purchased a

large one, fit for a boat. On another occasion he was sick

and wanted treatment in Australia so he requested that his

documents be processed. The next day he changed his

mind, simply stating, ‘Who are you to decide for my life?’

He worked hard, was very approachable and planned for the

future. His office was a stock room of sorts, but he knew

where things were placed. He was then assigned in Kumgi.

In June 1999, he went for Retreat at Vunapope. After lunch

he was injecting himself with insulin. Fr. Val asked him what

he wanted for Kumgi. His reply was, „Rabaul mangoes‟ - so

that he could plant the seeds in Don Bosco, Kumgi where he

was based - a sign that he wanted to grow where he was

planted.

Sr. Martina was a

hardworking per-

son. She loved

nature and enjoyed

long walks. She

had her vegetable

garden and got the

help of some girls

to assist her. She Sr. Martina teaching the girls Baking Skills

gave her life as-

sisting the young people, particularly the young girls in

the villages. After the sea had claimed some resi-

dences on Araimiri, the congregation transferred to Port

Moresby and she went with them. She passed away in

1995 and was laid to rest in the Caritas grounds.

Fr. Valeriano Barbero sdb has been was assigned to

Vunapope, Rabaul, yet he made sure that the remains

of these two religious were given a proper home where

the future religious will also be laid to rest.

In life, we also need to think of our own death. While we

bring them home to the final resting place we ask our-

selves, “Are we ready to face our Maker, the Lord?”

STIHNACENRKES

TAVUR is grateful to all the PNG-SI confreres for their zeal, dedi-

cation and support to spread the „Good News‟ throughout 2011.

Thanks to the Rectors and all the correspondents of the different

houses and activities for the articles, photographs and reflec-

tions that you have sent in.

Special Thanks to Fr. Raffy Galve and members of the Social

Communications Commission Fr. Edwin Genovia sdb, Mayette

Carvajal for their zeal and commitment to this powerful ministry.

Thanks to all who have sponsored and in different ways assisted

in the production and publication of TAVUR 2011.

TAVUR — The newsletter of the Salesian delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands

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Colourful

- Carol Labbad

Care

Hidden away in the Don Bosco Technological School

grounds of East Boroko - PNG, a rainbow of colours can

be seen and cheeky laughter can be heard upon ap-

proaching the gates of the Caritas Early Learning Centre.

As we entered the facility, we were greeted by the ex-

cited group of children who had smiles bright enough to

light up a dark room. The children didn‟t expect anything

from us, they were just so happy to see new faces and to

kick around a soccer ball. They were thrilled as we took

photos and showed them pictures of their smiles on the

digital camera display.

Run by the Caritas Sisters, this simple yet comfortable fa-

cility caters for 120

beautiful pre-school

aged children (aged

3-6) who attend each

weekday from 8am-

3pm.

Although the facility

is quite basic, the

children have more

than enough to keep

them busy and con-

Carol Labbad amidst the children

tent throughout the

day whilst learning

Jessica Whiting on a visit to the CARITAS Early Learning Centre

important skills to aid in their development. The play-

ground was bursting with colour as the children played on

the brightly painted tyre swings and rode around on their

bikes.

Lunchtime consists of hearty meals made from local pro-

duce and fresh vegetables grown by the Sister‟s on the

premises. Sister Senorina, in charge of the Learning Cen-

tre, took us for a tour around the gardens where we saw

pumpkins, tomatoes and eggplants amongst many other

organically grown vegetables.

Sustainable practices and the use of local resources

seemed like common themes throughout the centre. We

were even presented with beautiful hand-made cards and

rosary bracelets to thank us for our visit.

Despite it being a short time at the centre, it was certainly

a huge highlight of our trip to PNG. We hope to one day

visit again and perhaps spend a little more time with the

children and teachers.

DECEMBER

19 Fr. FAZZINI, Angelo

21 Cl. LIHN, Dominic Savio

29 Fr. Escala, Jesus

JANUARY

3 Fr. Caspa, Charles

FEBRUARY

16 Fr. MORAIS, Clifford

Be Christ

bearers and

Christ Givers

this

Christmas

Happy Christmas

TAVUR 2012

will be in a new and colourful format

Please send your articles and photos to:

Fr. Ambrose Pereira, sdb -

ambrose@donbosco.org.sb

Mayette Carvajal -

mayettebcarvajal@hotmail.com

Fr. Edwin Genovia–

edge_png@yahoo.com

Last day for submissions: 1st February, 2012

TAVUR Edition December, 2011

Contributing authors:

Fr. Raffy Galve sdb, Fr. Dominic Kachira sdb, Josephine Sagar, Br.

Moise Paluku sdb, Fr. Julian Fox sdb, Remegio Harold A. Argante

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb and Carol Labbad

Layout, proofreading and editing:

Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb and Fr. Srimal Priyanga sdb,

Don Bosco Communications

Fr. Rafael Galve: delpng_si@datec.net.pg / galve@dbti.ac.pg

Fr. Edwin Genovia:

edge_png@yahoo.com

Fr. Valeriano Barbero:

valerianob@gmail.com

Fr. Dominic Kachira:

dominickachira@gmail.com

Fr. Edward Revilla:

sdbed@gmail.com

Fr. John Cabrido:

keoni728vb@yahoo.com

Fr. Albert Lenon:

albertlenonsdb@yahoo.com

Fr. Ambrose Pereira:

ambrose@donbosco.org.sb

Br. Moise Palaku:

palman02@yahoo.fr

Br. Jess Gracia:

jgarcia@dbti.ac.pg

TAVUR - The newsletter of the Salesian delegation of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands