New PGS Provincial Superior installed during Holy Mass7

By Ms. Arlene Abital
Photographs by Ms. Arlene Abital and Mr. Karl David Valmonte

Port Moresby, PNG, 19 March 2017 -- Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS) Vice-province has been blessed with a new Provincial Superior in the person of Fr. Alfred Maravilla, SDB. The installation of Fr. Alfred took place at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, East Boroko on the 19th of March, 2017. It was witnessed by Fr. Vaclav Klement, Regional Superior for East Asia Oceania, Fr. Peter Baquero, SDB, Bishop of the Diocese of Kerema, Gulf Province (the former PGS Provincial Superior), the Rectors from the communities in PGS, Salesian confreres, religious, Salesian Family members, staff, students and lay faithful.

Representing the Rector Major, Fr. Vaclav, who was the main celebrant at the Eucharistic celebration dwelt on the need to share and be in communion. Reflecting on the Gospel, he highlighted the faith of the Samaritan woman. He asked for continuous prayers that the service of Fr. Alfred will be that of listening to the communities and animating them to ensure that the lived charism of Don Bosco in the PGS vice-province. Fr. Peter, to be ordained as Bishop of Kerema, on 25 March, 2017 congratulated the new Provincial Superior.

‘The Creed’ was recited by Fr. Alfred in Tok Pisin (national language in Papua New Guinea). This was followed by the signing of the document which was received by Fr. Vaclav.

Before the final blessing, Fr. Alfred, SDB expressed his gratitude for the ‘simple, fraternal and frugal’ celebration. He admitted that he was reluctant to accept the appointment, but then listened to the inner voice reminding him, “You must be ready to give up everything for God.” He said, “Leadership accompanies ‘Power’, power to serve, out of faith and with faith.” He emphasized the ‘culture of fraternity and love’ in Don Bosco’s houses to seek out young people and accompany them in society. On this feast day of St. Joseph, he entrusted his ministry to the protector of Mary and Jesus. He also encouraged everyone to foster devotion to Blessed Philip Rinaldi as the patron of the Vice-province and that all should pray for his canonization to sainthood. Precious relics of Blessed Rinaldi and certificates were given to the Rectors of the seven communities in the PGS vice province.

In the afternoon, the newly installed Provincial met the confers of the vice-province. He outlined the ‘Road Map’, handed on to him by the Rector Major, highlighting among other things accompaniment of local vocations, missionary zeal, formation of lay people and the need to be in communion through communication with each other.

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