Pisana, 21 June 2016 -- After the establishment of the new Vice province of Blessed Philip Rinaldi, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (23rd December 2015) and after the consultation conducted during the Extraordinary Visitation of Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga in PGS Delegation (April 18- May 15) the Rector Major with the consent of his council has appointed Fr Pedro BAQUERO Junior as the first Superior of the Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands Vice-province for the period of 6 years (2016-2022).
Fr Peter was born in Manila (Philippines) on September 15, 1970 and made his first profession in Bacolod, Granada on April 1, 1990 and the perpetual profession on March 24, 1998. He was ordained in 1999 in Parañaque, after completing his philosophy and theology studies in Canlubang and Parañaque (FIN). From the period of his practical training in PNG (Port Moresby, Gabutu and Araimiri) he followed the missionary vocation ad gentes. Moreover he attended the Missionary Ongoing Formation Course in Rome (UPS). He speaks Tagalog – Filipino, English and Tok Pisin (PNG).
After returning to the PNG Delegation in 2000 he spent most of the time in the front-line mission in the Gulf Province (Araimiri and Lariau – 10 years), then in the capital of Port Moresby (Gabutu Don Bosco Technical School) and since 2014 as the Superior Delegate of Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands (PGS). During past 16 years he was assigned to the following ministries: Parish priest, Principal of Secondary School, Economer, Rector and Delegation councilor for Youth Ministry. During past 30 months he put a lot of energy to the animation of the whole Delegation according the SEPP and Strategic plan worked out by the Delegation Assemblies with more stability of animation and governance of the main sectors of Salesian Mission and Charism.
The young and multicultural Vice-province of PGS (Papua New Guinea – Solomon Islands) was canonically established by Fr Ángel Fernandez Artime on December 23, 2015, just 35 years after arrival of the first Salesian missionaries to Araimiri in 1980.
Presently, the Vice-province has 47 confreres (6 Salesian Brothers, 30 Salesian Priests, 1 Deacon, 6 candidates to the priesthood and some confreres in special situation) and one novice; average age of the Salesians is 44 years. One Vice-province of two countries has 7 Salesian presences in PNG and 2 in Solomon Islands. Majority of the works aim at the education and evangelization of the poor young people in need. The Salesian Family of PGS is composed already of 8 different groups: SDB, FMA, Past Pupils of DB and Mary Help of Christians, Salesian Cooperators, ADMA, Caritas Sisters of Jesus and Michalites.
There are confreres of 15 different nationalities striving for communion in diversity (5 local confreres of PGS origin, 5 from Europe, 3 from America, 1 from Africa and 28 from Asia). At present there are 10 College Aspirants, 2 prenovices, 1 novice and 2 post-novices from PGS countries. The Vice-province offers very favorable conditions for the practical training of young Salesian candidates for the mission ad gentes.
After the establishment of the PNG Delegation in 1994 the service of the Delegate was taken by Fr Valeriano Barbero (1994-2001), Fr Francesco Panfilo (2001-2004). After the extension of the Delegation to PNG-Solomon Islands there were three Superior – Delegates: Fr Luciano Odorico (2005-2008), Fr Rafael Galve (2009-2013) and Fr Peter Baquero (2014-2016).
We give thanks to all courageous missionaries who served from the beginning in the PNG – SI mission and we pray for more Salesian consecrated vocations in both countries. Within the EAO Region congratulate the Blessed Philip Rinaldi Vice-province confreres to their first Superior and promise our prayers and possible accompaniment.
The installation of the first PGS Vice-province Superior is scheduled for July 9th in East Boroko, Port Moresby - PNG.
Related story: AustraLasia 3847 (24 December 2015) – Establishment of the PGS Vice-province.
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ANNOUNCEMENT:
The First Superior of the Vice Province of Blessed Rinaldi (Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands) has been appointed. Here is the message from Fr. Anthony Paul Bicomong, the Provincial Superior of Philippines-North:
"I am happy to announce to you the first Provincial Superior of the new Vice Province of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS) - FR. PETER BAQUERO! The Rector Major and his Council has appointed Fr. Peter Baquero, based on the consultation with the PGS confreres and the latter accepted the obedience with faith and trust in the Lord.
Fr. Vaclav, our EAO Regional Councilor has tasked me to announced this good news to you, dear Confreres. We promise Fr. Peter that we will pray for him and support him in whatever ways we can. God bless Fr. Peter Baquero! God bless the PGS Vice Province! Viva Don Bosco!"