austraLasia #2801
 
Solomon Islander renews profession as Salesian of Don Bosco
Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb

HENDERSON SI: 7 February 2011 --  ‘I renew my vows to live poor, chaste and obedient”, said Br. Jefferson Ohoau sdb, loudly and clearly on 31st January, 2011, Feast day of Don Bosco as he renewed his vows at the end of the homily preached by Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara.  The celebration was held in a well-decorated Don Bosco hall, Henderson.
    Br. Jefferson Ohoau sdb is the first Solomon Islands Salesian and made his first profession on 31st January, 2008 in Kungi, Papua New Guinea.  He completed his Machine Fitting Course and has earned a Diploma in the trade.  He has to his credit a Bachelors of Philosophy together with several courses in humanities and religious life.  He is now on the staff of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson, appointed to teach and instruct the students at Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson.
    ‘I look forward to sharing my skills and knowledge with the students, in the hope that they will have values and attitudes that will help them earn an honest living’, is what Br. Jefferson is about, as he commences his first year of Practical Training on home soil.  “It is wonderful to have him here at the Institute as being a Solomon Islander he is able to understand the young, motivate them and assist them in the best possible manner”, said Fr Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector of the Institute.
    Salesians - Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Technical Institute, Henderson and Fr. Michael Laap sdb, Rector of Don Bosco Rural Training Centre, Tetere were happy to witness his profession, while Br Moise Paluku sdb looked on.
    Archbishop Adrian Smith sm, Archbishop of Honiara, presided at the solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration on the 31st January, 2011, Don Bosco's Feast day.  Concelebrating with him was Bishop Chris Cardone op, Bishop of Auki, together with five other priests.  Over 120 religious, priests, teachers, board members, ministry officials, well-wishers and guests were present for the celebration.  In his homily, Archbishop Smith encouraged all to imitate the compassion of Don Bosco as he reached out to the needy youngsters of his day.  "We need to have the compassion of Don Bosco, as we educate our young today", encouraged the Archbishop.
    It was a delightful occasion for Br Jefferson's parents and family members who were present for the occasion.  ‘On behalf of the PNG-SI Delegation, we express our sincere gratitude to Mr. and Mrs Pascal Ohoau, the parents of Br. Jefferson for the gift of their son to the Salesian Congregation”, Fr Ambrose Pereira said in thanksgiving.  ‘Don Bosco takes his place at home, and you will surely experience his grace and blessings upon you and your family’, he continued.  Mr Pascal in reply expressed his support and encouragement for hi son's vocation.
    A festive meal followed the Eucharistic celebration – with delicious and tasty dishes brought in by religious, guests and friends.  Lively action songs entertained the gathering.
    “It was a very enjoyable, relaxing and joyful celebration”, said the guests as they returned back home.
    Don Bosco Tech has commenced classes for the senior students while the junior students commence classes on 7th February, 2011.  It currently has five trades - Automotive, Carpentry, Electricity, Machine Fitting and Life Skills.  Short courses are also conducted.
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