Salesian Educators promote vocations

By Ms. Arlene Abital

Port Moresby, PNG, 13 Jult 2017 -- Which vocation does God call you to follow? This importance question was reflected upon at Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko on July 13, 2017.

The Vocation Orientation Dimension is one aspect of the Salesian Educative Pastoral Plan (SEPP) of the institute. Ms. Christina Paula Delgado, leader of the group, organized a ‘Talk Show’ to enlighten the students on the different aspects of a vocation, with a view to help them discern their vocation. The program was hosted by Sr. Ria Versario FMA and Mr. Emil Vake while different speakers shared experiences of their vocation.

Ms. Maria Fatima Alipio, Science and Math lecturer spoke on the blessings of the single life; Mr. Noel Kibai, IT instructor and Mrs. Lucy Kibai, Maths and Sports lecturer shared about Married life; Sr. Annie Saligumba, FMA, Christian Life Education lecturer, Br. Reto Wanner, SDB, Machine Fitting and Machinist instructor and Fr. Clifford Morais, SDB, Treasurer shared about their lived lives as Religious.

The spontaneous questions from the student body allowed the Salesian Educators to share inspiring messages from their different perspectives.

Mr. and Mrs. Kibai, who have been married for 23 years, stressed the need for students to complete their education, be personally, professionally and spiritually stable, before they think of marriage. The partner they seek should be the one who places God as the center of their life. ‘Open communication and understanding are keys to a successful marriage,” the couple added.

Ms. Alipio shared the importance of having a prayerful life that will lead to personal contentment and happiness and being ready to serve others.

Sr. Annie who has been an FMA sister for 46 years, said that being sincere and faithful to God’s call makes her happy.

Br. Reto, a former Protestant said that his firm decision to respond to God’s invitation made him a missionary Salesian Brother, now serving the young of PNG.

The playful childhood experiences of celebrating the Mass along with friends as a game has led Fr. Clifford to be a priest. The seed sowed when he was eight years old inspired him to be a Salesian missionary now serving the PNG Church. “I had a fulfilling career as a bank officer but God’s calling to the priesthood was stronger,” he said.

The orientation has highlighted the prime significance of being called to ‘holiness’ irrespective of the variety of possible vocations. Living and carrying out God’s will, allows us to know, love and serve God with gladness. The challenges and hardships faced in our lives are overcome when God is the center of our lives.

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