By Cl. Joel Attisso, SDB

       Vunabosco, Rabaul, PNG, 31 January 2022: Celebrating the Solemnity of St. John Bosco, Don Bosco Technical Secondary School (DBTSS), Rabaul opened its doors to the new academic year 2022.

       The day began with the Eucharistic celebration in honor of Saint John Bosco, Father and Teacher of Youth, with a Thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration celebrated by Fr. Moïse Paluku, Rector and Fr. Juna. Present for the celebration were the Salesian Sisters, teachers, and a few boarding students who made it early to school, excited to begin the new school year.

       Fr. Rector welcomed them all to the celebration and said, “It is with great joy and great hope that we start this new school year 2022 on January 31, Feast of Saint John Bosco, Father and Teacher of Youth. The holiday season is over, and now it's back to school, back to study, back to seriousness, back to work. We are here, to prepare for our future. The best way to prepare for the future is to choose the best thing every day. As the motto of our school says “Meliora Eligo” which means: I chose the better things. We do this by listening attentively to our parents, our teachers and especially through our personal relationship with Jesus and with Saint John Bosco. We pray specially to Saint John Bosco that he may intercede for us. He is our Friend, our Father and our Teacher.”

       The students, expressed his joy and enthusiasm for the new year 2022. “It is a great joy for me to return to school as a Bosconian to continue my studies and prepare for my future,” said Pika Petrus, grade 12 student. "It's the family spirit that reigns at Don Bosco Technical Secondary School that invited me to come and study here, I'm happy to be here. I wish everyone a good school year,” said Norman Lonmgal, grade 11 student.

       In the evening at 6pm, under the pouring rain, Archbishop Rochus Tatamai, Archbishop of Rabaul, blessed the boarders and the new dormitory buildings, in the presence of the Salesian family, several guests, and young people from the Boarding House.

       A fraternal meal was then shared with all the guests. A variety of songs, dances and skits in honor of Saint John Bosco, then followed. Joy and happiness were written on the faces of every person. The evening ended with the word of thanks and a good night, given by Fr. Moïse. He thanked Fr. Caspar Charles, former Rector and Fr. Valeriano Barbero who was the contractor and supervised the construction with the boys. He invited the participants to use the dormitory and the facilities in the building conducive for their learning.

       Archbishop Tatamai thanked the Salesians for their dedicated presence in the Archdiocese of Rabaul, and for the new dormitories built for young people. He encouraged the Salesian community to go forward in the mission with their eyes fixed on Christ.

       Thanks to God and all those who attended this beautiful celebration of the feast of St John Bosco. Through his intercession, may we bear fruit in our various missions and responsibilities. Amen!

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