By Roger
1 April - While some people remember the first day of April as "April Fools," the confreres and some members of the Salesian Family (FMA, SCG, ASC) who are in the PNG capital city of Port Moresby gathered together at 6PM in the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians to offer the Holy Eucharist in thanksgiving for the 25th anniversary of religious profession of the Superior of the Delegation, Fr Pedro Baquero Jr.(a.k.a. Fr Peter), and 30th of Fr Rogelio Miranda (a.k.a. Fr Roger), the Rector of Don Bosco Technical School in Gabutu who is also one of the Delegation Councillors.
Fr Roger presided over the Holy Mass. Fr Peter delivered the homily. Several other priests concelebrated. The post novices and aspirants led the singing. After the homily, kneeling in front of the altar, the two jubilarians took turns in pronouncing again the formula of Salesian religious profession.
After the celebration at the Table of the Eucharist, all proceeded to the Emmaus Conference Center for the dinner and fellowship.
Fr Peter and Fr Roger reminisced their respective novitiate batches. Both mentioned their Novice Masters: Fr Andrew Wong and Fr Jose Carbonel, respectively. Both also recalled their mottos in the novitiate.
Fr Peter highlighted the fidelity of the Lord who calls and chooses. The same Lord asks us to remain with Him as branches to the vine. On the other hand, Fr Roger shared that every night before he sleeps, he prays three Hail Mary's for perseverance in his Salesian vocation. His personal motto is: "Yes, Lord, till the end."
As we remember today that Easter Sunday when Don Bosco was declared a saint, it is our prayer and hope that as his sons we will always mirror his holiness especially to the young.
Ad multos annos to our jubilarians! Viva Don Bosco!
