'austraLasia' # 108

SDB COUNCILOR GENERAL FOR THE MISSIONS VISITS DB KUMGI
Traditional PNG Highlands Welcome

by D. Meim

KUMGI (PNG): 14th November -- Fr Luciano Odorico, Councilor General for the Salesian Missions arrived at Don Bosco Kumgi on the 10th of November1998 for a two day animation visit. His visit is part of a four month itinerary which saw him make extra-ordinary visitations to Brazil and the Province of Bombay in India; animation visits to the Australia, the Solomon Islands; and in these weeks to the salesian presences here in Papua New Guinea. Here at
Kumgi, he was given the traditional highlands welcome. Several students welcomed him in their traditional garb including exotic plumes of different birds of paradise, possum skins, shells and ornaments from nature that even through photos can never be fully appreciated. At the gate he was allowed passage by two Mud Men "guardians" into the welcoming shouts and songs of the school community. Fr Odorico and Fr Luciano Capelli, the Provincial of the Philippines-North who came to accompany him, were both carried in procession seated on two armchairs borne aloft by the strongest of students. The procession ended at the facade of the main school building, where they were offered fruit and a cold drink as refreshment after the long journey. After a few words with the welcomers from both the school and local community, the guests then proceeded to appreciate the works of the trainees in their respective shops. After a breather in the late afternoon, Fr Odorico and Fr Capelli joined the SDB Community in the evening for prayers, a hearty meal and an formal fraternal sharing about the missionary work in Kumgi.