Port Moresby, PNG, 16 August 2017 -- “Today’s event is just one among the other organized activities to highlight our 32nd anniversary as an educational institution”, said Fr. Angel Sanchez sdb, Rector of DBTS (Don Bosco Technical Secondary School). “The event also coincides with the 202nd birth anniversary of our Father and Founder St. John Bosco on whom was bestowed the title Father, Teacher and Friend of youth”.
The DBTS cultural show had as its theme: Diverse Culture, One Family, Strongim Pasin Bosco. “The cultural show is not a yearly event. We have it only every two years in order for us not to lose its novelty. This gives the school ample time to prepare and organize it very well”, said Fr. Sanchez.
22 groups performed at the dancing arena and each group expressed its uniqueness in traditional song and dance. It gave the students an opportunity to display the Papua New Guinea face of Don Bosco. Bosconian and church values like servant leadership, honesty, family spirit, joy and optimism were evident. “Our Bosconians are here to prove that in this country our young people have dreams," he said.
Tourism Promotion Authority director of marketing and research Alice Kuaningi addressing the students during the cultural show, urged DBTS students to preserve their culture. “Never lose sight of your culture. It is what identifies you as a person. The costumes you wear are unique. Your costumes, bilas and language speak of you as a Papua New Guinean from your tribe, your village. You should always take pride in showcasing what’s uniquely your identity,” she said.
Earlier, on the 15th August, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Mother, a Thanksgiving Eucharistic presided over by Archbishop Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands was celebrated. His powerful words encouraged the students to be devoted to the Blessed Mother. The afternoon was entertaining as the Bosconians along with their family and friends enjoyed the Marian Accademia. This musical stirred love and affection as the institute celebrated the feast day of Our Lady and the birthday of Don Bosco. This was carried on the NBC national network.
There were other celebrations that marked the event during the week. They were: Battle of the Bands, Family Day, Bosco Quiz and a Bingo social.
May all these enjoyable experiences enable our young become what Don Bosco envisioned them to be, that is ‘Good Christians and honest citizens'.
